Storm Stress

How to prepare your family:


Is your family prepared for the storm? Probably not. This year be smart and proactive. Before the storm approaches, be sure to have a family meeting about planning for the storm. Here are some topics you should be discussing.

1. Each family member must have a means of contacting the other. Cell phones are great for contacting each other if you are in school or at work. Make sure you all know your cell phone numbers and are capable of dialing them in a time of emergency.




2. Be sure to find a “point of contact” for all family members before the storm approaches. Decide when and where you will meet to discuss plans for preparation for the storm. Sometimes this sounds ridiculous, but you can be sure that if you prepare in this manner ahead of time, there will be less stress in the family.




3. During this point of contact, decide now if you will shelter “in place” (stay in your home), or take off to another place where everyone will feel most secure.
   
   If you do decide to leave, do so way in advance of the coming storm.
   
   Remember, this can be the most stressful time as one member of your family may want to leave when the other wants to stay.
   
   Everyone has different stress levels and what may be fun to some, may be high-debilitating stress to others. It is important to be supportive and non-judgmental while making this decision. Some families decide to split up, as some members leave, while others decide to stay. There is nothing ridiculous about this decision; sometimes it alleviates all the pressure around making this decision.




4. Now appoint a captain who is the person in charge of telling others what job they will need to do. This person is the decision maker! Even though you have a decision maker remember the family as a whole decides what activities they need to do in order to feel safe and secure.
   
   All members have the same amount of clout when it comes to giving input about activities that give the feeling of security.
   
   The captain assigns the chores; make sure they chores fit the ability and level of the participants. In other words, don’t have young children carry heavy metal hurricane shutters; However, children should be an active part of the preparation activity. This reduces stress and distracts from impending feelings of dread. Activity also gives children a sense of being on team that is working toward a family goal of protection and maintenance.
   
   At this point you must make your job list for each individual in the family. Have someone print it out and keep it in a safe place with your storm supplies. This way, when the storm comes there are no arguments as to who does what and when. You can get these lists from StormTips.com, the American Red Cross, or from the supermarket.