Hurricane and Natural Disaster Survival Tips for Blended Families

5 Tips For Florida Blended Families During The Hurricane Season:

1. Establish an emergency plan. Everyone needs to know what to do and where to do in the event of an emergency. Make sure everyone has the phone numbers they need of neighbors, friends and relatives and the schools. Include an out-of-town place to meet or person who lives outside of your town to connect with in the event of a big storm. Talk to your children about when to call 911. Make sure everyone knows the address of the house.
2. Prepare for a storm or natural disaster. Some emergencies happen without warning. Others, such as big storms, usually have forewarning. Listen to the radio or watch the weather report as a family so everyone knows what to expect. Prepare the house and property as a family. Secure outdoor equipment and furniture. Make sure pets and animals are in a safe shelter with food and water. Prepare for the electricity going out by having candles, flashlights, lanterns and at least three days’ worth of water (some people fill a clean bathtub). Put perishable food (such as fruit juice and milk) into a cooler filled with ice. Those with diabetes should make sure they have enough insulin and supplies for a week. All family members should have their medications ready. Fill up all cars with a full tank of gas.
3. Pack in case you need to evacuate. Pack all ID cards for all family members including passports, driver’s licenses, health insurance cards, legal documents including final judgments and your parenting plan. Stay calm but explain what you are doing so the children know what is happening. Have each child bring a special toy, favorite game or special stuffed animal.
4. Agree on a meeting location. Everyone should know where to go in the event the family gets separated. Be sure to talk about this more than once. Write it down in a conspicuous place such as the bulletin board or refrigerator.
5. Pick up the pieces and rebuild as a family. Clean up the yard and fix any broken windows or property as a family. This shows that even when things break or fall apart, it is still possible to move forward. Once the danger has passed discuss as family what happened and how the children feel. Be prepared to help you child understand that it is normal to be afraid and how to manage strong feelings.

If you need help with a family related legal issue, find out how we can help. Call the Marin Law Firm, P.A. in Orlando. Call us at (407) 449-7804 or email our office and we will respond promptly.