Preparing Kids

[usmcvet]

We don't get Tornadoes often here in Vermont. We had Tornado warnings and watches several days in a row and a sighting several towns south west of us. It was reported to be moving our way at 38mph. I calmly told the kids to put their shoes on and went to the bedroom to do the same. I also put a flashlight and my truck keys in my pocket.

I came out to the living room and my 8 and 5 year Old had packed up "go bags" with several changes of clothes and their security blankets and a few toys. My eight year old had also packed two pocket knives and a 2 quart canteen full of water and a small first-aid kit.

My three year old was just melting down and she would not let me put her down.

It took me a day to figure out why they freaked out. I'd been very calm.

It came down to lack of communication. In the past 100% of the time when Daddy tells the kids to get their shoes on it's because we are leaving the house right away. We are usually on the way to daycare or school.

The kids have seen the news and devastation recently suffered by others. We've talked about it and said prayers for the victims. When the evening news was interupted by the tornado warning and sighting mentioning the name of our town my kids wanted to make sure they took some stuff with them.

I should have told them it was just a precaution and we were not leaving the house. I just did not want my kids to be barefoot if we needed to dig out.

We were lucky and had a dry run. Were going to build a family go bag and talk about it so the kids don't worry so much next time.

I was pretty impressed with my 8 year old Cub Scout. He packed up a good go bag in less than 90 seconds. My wife came in from having a cigarette and was trying to figure out what was going on!

[ucrt]

.

Good job.

I think the trick is repeating the drill, so they don't think or get afraid..they just do it.

My kids (all on their own now) kind of hated the fire drills we did but they hopped when we did them. For hurricanes, we basically prepare about 95% at the season start (this Wednesday) and then just get a few things just before we evacuate, if it comes to that.

Guess the little one did what was instinct...stay with daddy.

Already set a record year with tornadoes and we're not halfway through the year.

.

[usmcvet]

Yeah were pretty well set up for ice and snow storms. Wind is not one I'm used to. I have to admit I enjoyed the cuddles but I feel bad she was so scared. It was nasty dark, rainy and windy out with the power flickering on and off. The thunder and lighting scared her the most.

[mrbieler]

There isn't much we can do if things go wrong. I'm in the heart of West Los Angeles. We're bugging in as Escape from LA only happens in the movies. In reality, the freeways will be a train wreck of traffic within minutes. We will have no where to go.

That said, my son who just turned 10 has some gear and understands when dad says we get ready, we get ready. He learned some hard lessons about hydration and preparation during a recent snow camping trip at 6000. Hopefully those lessons stick with him, but with kids (and most adults) it's a matter of ADD and how much actually gets into their noggin.

[omega21]

This is a great threat. My kids are tiny and I haven't even thought about this kind of stuff. I will now. I certainly appreciate your taking the opportunity to share your experience so other dads like me can learn from your family. God Bless!

[usmcvet]

The weather has calmed down a little here this week. There was a twister in north western Massachusetts yesterday four killed and a mess. Not too far from home.

[omega21]

That's crazy! Who ever associated Mass with tornados!??

[usmcvet]

That's crazy! Who ever associated Mass with tornados!??

I thought they were exaggerating untilled I say a 2 story house off its foundation resting on its roof and a group of houses? Or buildings on a street completely destroyed. There were also a hung of photos of cars flipped over.

[Rider]

I used to think I was safe in my brick house. After Joplin, I am thinking about digging out a root cellar/tornado shelter in the slope at the back of my land and framing it out.

[usmcvet]

Back to the tornado in Massachusetts. I saw a multi story brick building that was still standing but had 1/3 to 1/2 of the 1st and 2nd story front wall torn away. Looked like the open front of a child's doll house.