When we think of storm preparedness, we think: Flashlights, Cellphone, Water, First-Aid kits and our loved ones.

After working in a child care facility and having to hunker down for hours with toddlers in a bathroom; I learned something. They get bored VERY fast! And when they get bored, they get angry!

Now, we would have to take our First-Aid bags with us, our classroom sheet with the children’s names and contact numbers and that was it. I thought to myself that this was completely insane. We had no way of knowing what was going on around us, no way of keeping 5-10 toddlers happy for a time frame of 15 minutes to 2 hours. So, I took it upon myself to take a backpack to work the next day.

I went to the director’s office and informed her that I was going to have my phone with me on these types of emergencies because there was no way of knowing what was happening and I; as a caretaker to these kids; needed to know. She agreed. I also showed her what was in the backpack.

Small bottles of water (1 per child)

Snacks (2 per child)

Dollar Tree Flashlights (1 per child) and a large flashlight for me

Books

Small toys

Coloring books and crayons

Wipes and diapers

Soon, every classroom had a backpack equipped with items appropriate for children at their age level.

So, my advice to all parents, grandparents and caretakers is to get a backpack and equip yourself for a storm so that the children are busy and this will lessen the fear.