Hurricane tips for families: Activities, supplies, safety

With Hurricane Irma bearing down on South Florida, weekend plans are up in the air, and no-school days are almost certainly ahead for students throughout the region.

If they haven’t already, parents should have a conversation with their children about the family hurricane plan. Let the kids ask questions and discuss different scenarios to relieve their fears.

Broward County's assistant director of Public Communications, Ric Barrick, and Roxanne Vargas of NBC6 discuss helpful tips every family should know before, during and after a storm.

The whole family can get involved in hurricane preparations. Download a list of what you need in a hurricane preparation kit, including water, flashlights, batteries, medication, pet food and more. Be sure to include a cell phone charger, especially if you have a solar-powered model.

Families with babies should have formula on hand that does not need refrigeration, as well as sterile water for mixing and extra disposable bottles, because sterilizing bottles will be difficult if water and power supplies are disrupted.

Stock up on diapers and baby wipes as well; supplies won’t be easy to replenish if power outages keep stores closed after the storm.

If you have a stockpile of frozen breastmilk, remember it has to be used within 24 hours if it thaws, and it should not be re-frozen. Consider getting a generator to keep your pumped milk supply safely frozen after the storm.

Have a plan to keep your pets safe. Don't forget about the things your pets will need when the power goes out.

Don’t forget entertainment. News coverage can be scary as images of flying debris and flood waters play across TV screens, so try to interest kids in storm tracking instead.

Tracking maps can be downloaded online from several sites, including the National Hurricane Center and Publix.

Educational opportunities abound online, where kids can research the differences between tropical storms and hurricanes, the categories of storms, the science of forecasting, hurricane hunters and more.

But online diversions only last as long as the power does. Stock up on kid-friendly entertainment, such as coloring books, cards, board games, modeling clay, bubbles, books and more, especially if your family is riding out the storm outside the home.

Take shelter. As Hurricane Irma nears, counties will open hurricane shelters for residents, including sites that accommodate special needs and pets. Check your county’s website for shelter locations and registration information.

Moms-to-be who are 38 or more weeks pregnant or high-risk should consult their doctors about riding out the storm at the hospital, because the drop in pressure before a storm often kick-starts labor. Many hospitals require preregistration and a physician’s orders, so make arrangements now if you fall into an at-risk category.

Preparation and caution are important during the next couple of days. Heed all warnings and emergency orders, and keep your family safe.