During hurricane season families in Orlando should be especially mindful of safety precautions and planning. Parents of young children must balance the responsibility of keeping their homes prepared while managing the unpredictable closures of childcare centers.
Kids and Company always prioritizes the safety of children and, during severe weather, we may close to protect everyone involved. We understand the challenges this may cause and want to help families navigate this season with confidence. To help parents prepare, we’ve compiled practical tips to ensure your family is ready when a storm hits, minimizing the effects on your child’s routine by hurricane-related closures.
1. Establish a Family Emergency Plan
Creating an emergency plan that everyone in the family understands is crucial for hurricane preparedness. Your plan should include:
- Designated Safe Spaces: Have a designated safe space in your home where your family can gather if needed, as well as an evacuation route in case you're advised to leave the area.
- Emergency Contacts List: Make sure your family has an updated list of emergency contacts, including out-of-town relatives who can be reached if local communication lines go down.
- Prepare a "Go-Bag" for Kids: Pack a small bag for your child with essential items like snacks, medications, extra clothing, and comforting items such as a favorite toy or blanket.
At Kids and Company, we notify parents early about potential closures, allowing families ample time to activate their plans. Knowing your daycare in Orlando may close helps you avoid last-minute stress.
2. Maintain a Routine at Home
During daycare closures, the key to keeping children calm and grounded is maintaining their routines. During a hurricane, if possible, try to follow the same schedule your child experiences at daycare—especially nap times, mealtimes, and regular play. This consistency provides a sense of comfort and security, especially for young children who thrive on routine. Incorporate educational activities or crafts into their day to keep them engaged and calm while they're out of school.
3. Arrange for Backup Childcare
Since hurricanes are unpredictable, it’s important to have backup childcare arrangements in case daycare services are unavailable for multiple days. Family members, close friends, or neighbors can be excellent alternatives when Kids and Company or other Orlando daycare centers are closed. Some parents also organize backup childcare with other families, taking turns to care for a small group of children. Planning this beforehand ensures you have support when you need it most.
4. Prepare and Stock Up on Essentials
Orlando residents know that storms can disrupt supply chains. Ensure you’re stocked up on necessary supplies ahead of time, including:
- Diapers, wipes, and formula (if you have an infant)
- Non-perishable snacks and food
5. Children’s medications and first-aid supplies
In addition, have activities ready to keep your child entertained, like coloring books, puzzles, and favorite toys. If the power goes out, having these on hand will keep children occupied and calm while waiting for the storm to pass.
6. Stay Informed and Communicate
One of the best ways to stay prepared during hurricane season is by staying informed. Sign up for weather alerts and keep a close eye on news updates. At Kids and Company, we communicate with parents via phone calls, text, or email when weather-related closures are announced. Keeping informed is essential to know what to expect regarding daycare closures and reopening plans. Ensure your contact information is updated with your daycare center in order to receive these critical updates promptly.
7. Prepare for Post-Storm Adjustments
Once the storm passes, it may take a few days for the daycare to reopen. Prepare your child for this by discussing when they will return to their normal routine. Daycares, including Kids and Company, may require a bit of time to clean up and make sure everything is safe before welcoming children back. In the meantime, keep an eye out for alerts from the daycare to inform you about when it’s safe for your child to return.
Be Safe This Hurricane Season
At Kids and Company, we strive to support Orlando families through all seasons, including the uncertainty that comes with hurricane season. While storms may disrupt normal routines, proactive steps like creating a family plan and arranging backup childcare can help you manage the chaos. Remember, our daycare in Orlando is here to provide guidance and assistance when needed. Stay safe, and know that we’re just a phone call away.