Our babies, our loved ones with health conditions, our furry friends—they depend on us to get them through hard times, and even supply their daily needs. When storms arise, you may wonder how best to protect those in your household that can’t protect themselves. This series of posts is for you.
We’ll start with the youngest members of the family, infants. Firstly, if you have any concern for your baby’s safety during an approaching storm, consider evacuating. Even if evacuation orders are not issued, if you feel your home wouldn’t be safe for your baby during the storm, trust your instincts. However, it’s wise to be prepared for anything, so we’ve compiled some tips to help you keep your little one safe in the storm.
Your infant’s emergency kit will be similar to your own in that it should include enough “survival items” to last at least three days. If possible, it should be packed in the same waterproof rolling container/suitcase as your own. This will prevent you from having to carry the kit as well as the baby should you need to evacuate. Your infant emergency kit should include:
You know your baby better than anyone. If you feel there are items your little one would need in an emergency, add them to your list.
In addition to the above items in your infant emergency kit, there are a few things that, though not necessary for survival, can make the difficulty of a hurricane less stressful for you and your baby. These might include:
As always, plan ahead. If you are pregnant, pack an infant emergency kit before your baby arrives, not after. Also, be sure to keep your kit up-to-date; check it regularly to make sure baby’s clothes are not too small and all food and medicines are not expired. And finally, trust your instincts regarding your baby’s needs and safety. The above may be useful to you, but ultimately you know what’s best for your baby.