Storm Safety Checklist For Your Kids

The likelihood of severe thunderstorms and tornadoes increases as temperatures continue to rise. With that in mind, it’s time to think about keeping your family safe.
First, you should have a safe place in your home to take your family during a storm. It could be the basement, a central closet or a bathroom with no windows. Once you’ve determined the best location for your family, you should have supplies handy to ride out the storm. Below you’ll find storm facts that parents should know, information to share with your kids, coloring pages, and a kid-friendly checklist for storms.
Help your kids understand the warning signs of a storm. Explain to them that a “tornado watch” means conditions are right for a tornado, while a “tornado warning” means one has actually been spotted.
If they’re watching TV and their favorite show is interrupted by a weather report, have them notify you of the alert. TV stations often cover a large viewing area, so you may be able to reassure them that the storm isn’t near your house, or you can quickly take action if it is.
Your city may have an outdoor warning system in place for dangerous weather. The system is usually a loud siren that is tested on a set day every month. Have your kids listen to the test so they know what the alarm sounds like for a real emergency.
Download our Free Coloring Pages
Print this list and put it in a prominent place, like your refrigerator. Go over the list with your kids and talk about why each item on this list is important. Kids may be tempted to play with the flashlight or want to play games on the phone, but remind them they’re too important to play with during a storm--you might need that battery power later.
The checklist will also help you keep your cool. Kids may be scared during a storm, but you can rest easier knowing they have the storm checklist.
Storms strike with little warning. Be prepared, and stay informed with our Monthly Newsletter: sign up here.
Resources
http://www.nws.noaa.gov/