Weather the Storm: Easy Prepper Tips for Kids and Grown-Ups

Big storms can be scary. They can bring lots of rain, snow, wind, or thunder. But if we get ready before the storm comes, we can stay safe. This guide will help your whole family know what to do when a storm is coming.

Getting Ready Before the Storm

The best preppers know that we must get ready before bad weather comes. Here are the most important things to have ready:

 

Your Storm Bug-Out Bag

A bug-out bag is a backpack with all the stuff you need if you have to leave your home fast. Here’s what to put in it:

• Water bottles (one for each day, for each person)
• Food that won’t go bad and doesn’t need cooking
• Flashlights and extra batteries
• A radio that works with batteries
• First aid kit with band-aids and medicine
• Warm clothes and rain gear
• Blankets or sleeping bags
• Copies of important papers in a waterproof bag

Food and Water Preps

You need water and food that don’t need a stove or microwave. Here’s what to store:

• Water – one gallon for each person for each day (that means if you have 4 people, you need 4 gallons for one day)
• Canned foods like tuna, chicken, beans, and fruit
• Peanut butter and crackers
• Cereal and powdered milk
• Trail mix and energy bars

When the Lights Go Out

Storms often make the power go out. Be ready with:

• Flashlights for each person
• Extra batteries
• Glow sticks (these are fun for kids and very safe)
• Hand-crank lights that don’t need batteries
• Candles and matches (only for grown-ups to use)

Staying Warm

If the heat goes out during a storm, you need ways to stay warm:

• Extra blankets
• Sleeping bags
• Warm hats, gloves, and socks
• Hand warmers

Making Your Home Storm-Safe

Your home needs to be ready for the storm, too. Here’s what to do:

Protect Your Windows

• Cover windows with boards or storm shutters
• Put tape on windows in an “X” shape to keep glass from breaking everywhere
• Close all curtains and blinds

Stop Flooding

• Use sandbags around doors if water might come in
• Move important things up high if your home might flood
• Know where water might come in and have towels ready

Tie Down or Bring Inside

Strong winds can make things fly around and break windows or hurt people. Bring these things inside:

• Bikes
• Toys
• Trash cans
• Patio furniture
• Plants in pots

When the Storm Hits

When a storm comes, you need to know what to do to stay safe.

Bug In or Bug Out?

“Bugging in” means staying at home. “Bugging out” means leaving for a safer place. How do you know what to do?

• If officials tell you to leave, BUG OUT right away
• If your home is safe from flood and has strong walls, BUG IN
• If you live in a mobile home or flood zone, plan to BUG OUT

The Safest Room

If you stay home, know the safest room. The best room is:

• In the middle of your home
• Away from windows
• On the ground floor (not upstairs)
• Small, like a bathroom or closet

Storm Warning Words

Know these important words:

• Watch – A storm might come soon. Get ready.
• Warning: A storm is coming for sure. Take action now.
• Evacuation – Leave your home now for a safer place.

After the Storm Passes

The danger isn’t over when the storm stops. Here’s what to do:

Check for Damage

• Look for broken windows, roof damage, or water inside
• Smell for gas leaks (like a rotten eggs smell)
• Check for downed power lines outside (never touch them!)

Using Your Supplies

Now is when your preps help you:

• Use your stored water for drinking, washing, and flushing toilets
• Eat food that will spoil first if your fridge isn’t working
• Only use your phone for important calls to save the battery

Special Storm Survival Skills

These skills can help in any storm emergency:

Finding Safe Water

If you run out of water, you can:

• Collect rain water in clean containers
• Melt ice from your freezer
• Get water from your water heater tank (ask a grown-up for help)

Always clean water before drinking it if you’re not sure it’s safe. You can:

• Boil it for one minute
• Use water purification tablets
• Use a filter made for camping

Family Hand Signals

Make up hand signals with your family for when it’s too loud to hear during a storm:

• A signal for “I need help”
• A signal for “I’m okay”
• A signal for “Let’s move to a safer spot.”

Simple First Aid

Learn how to:

• Cleanthea cut with soap and water
• Put pressure on a bleeding cut
• Wrap a sprained ankle or wrist
• Spot the signs of hypothermia (when someone gets too cold)

Practice Makes Perfect

The best preppers don’t just get stuff ready. They practice what to do. Try these:

• Have a “no power night” where you don’t use electricity
• Practice your evacuation plan (getting out fast)
• Let kids help check the bug-out bag
• Play a “find the flashlight” game in the dark

Be Ready for Any Storm

Storms can be scary, but being ready makes them less scary. When you know what to do and have what you need, you can weather any storm.

Check your supplies each season. Replace food that gets old. Make sure flashlights work. Talk about your storm plan with your whole family.

Being a good prepper means you can take care of yourself and help others, too. That’s something to be proud of!