Be Prepared This Hurricane Season

With Emily, Eugene, and who knows who else is on their way, it's time to prepare for ...dun dun dun...hurricane season! When working with kids, this time of year can be a bit scary. Don't worry though, here are some tips to help you get through a power outage.

1)Stay Calm- If you're anxious, the kids will know it and react. Stay calm, and even make it fun for the kids. Get excited, and say things to the kids like, "yay, fun, no power, lets play!" Make the best out of a bad situation.


2)Be Prepared- Knowing it's hurricane season, talk to the parents before they leave. Ask them where the flash lights are and spare batteries. Candles are also okay to use, but not necessarily recommended. Make sure the children do not go near the lit candle.  Never leave the kids alone in a room, keep your eyes on them at all times.

Also, make sure you arrive with a fully charged cell phone. You always want to make sure the parents can get a hold of you and vice versa. Occasionally text the parents to let them know everything is okay.


3)Prepare food- Have meals, and non-perishable foods ready. If you are taking care of a baby, prepare bottles and keep them in the refrigerator. The fridge should stay cold for a while, just make sure you only open it when absolutely necessary.


4)Have fun- If the power goes out during the day, it's easier to find activities to do. You can play board games, card games, arts and crafts, etc. However, if the power goes out at night, the task is more difficult (unless the kids are sleeping). You can still make it fun though.
-Build tents and forts
-Grab a flash light and put a shadow show on the wall. Little Bunny Foo Foo, is a personal favorite of mine.
-Ask the parents if the siblings can have a sleepover in the same room. This is a fun treat for the children, and they will feel safe.
-If the kids are old enough, playing hide and go seek in the dark is also fun.
-Grab a wireless radio, play some music, sing and dance in the dark.

I hope everyone finds these tips useful. Please feel free to share some of your favorite power outage activities, and please stay safe this hurricane season!

Love,
Elyssa and The Babysitting Company