The Role of Communication in Emergencies

Effective emergency communication is about more than simply relaying facts—it’s about providing comfort and reassurance. For serious matters, such as air conditioning outages or arrests on school campuses, parents will often receive a phone message and/or email from the school principal.

In a critical situation, such as a school lockdown, speed and clarity are essential. Families will receive a text message within moments of an incident being confirmed. Updates will continue to be provided throughout the event. Even a brief message that says, “CCPS is aware of the current lockdown at your school. Please remain calm. The Collier County Sheriff’s Office is investigating at this time,” lets parents know we are engaged, responsive, and committed to their child’s safety.

Staying Ahead During Hurricane Season

Now that we are in peak hurricane season, weather events often disrupt school operations. CCPS relies on updates from the National Weather Service in Miami and remains in constant communication with Collier County Emergency Management.

In the event of a weather emergency, CCPS uses every communication channel at its disposal to reach people quickly and reliably: text, email, phone, social media, district and school websites, and local news outlets. These tools work together so that a parent who misses a phone call can find the same information in their email or on social media. Depending on the situation, messages may include what is happening, what actions are being taken, and when families can expect another update.

Be Prepared

Trust doesn’t start in the middle of an emergency—it begins well before. Effective emergency communication is a two-way street. While CCPS is committed to providing timely and accurate updates, we encourage families to ensure their contact information is current to receive information. At the start of each school year, we ask parents and guardians to complete an Emergency Information Form by logging into the CCPS Portal and visiting Focus. The form ensures we are able to reach our families should an emergency arise.

Our goal is simple. We want families to know they can trust CCPS to keep them informed every step of the way, so that they can focus on what matters most—the safety of their loved ones.

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Most children cannot understand the magnitude of a storm or its lasting affects and will take their cue from the adults around them. It’s important to prepare your family for dangerous weather so that you can stay safe.  Events that are traumatic for adults are more so for children if they don t know what to do.  Children look to adults for help.  How we react tells them how real the danger is.  If we are calm and prepared, they will be reassured.

Children have varying understanding of storm preparation and recovery, and they may have questions and concerns.  Listen, and answer their questions carefully, stopping when they seem satisfied.  Be truthful and speak at a child’s level.  If you don’t know the answer, say so. Make sure children are supervised and know who is in charge. We cannot prevent storms, but we can let our children know we love them, will be with them, and are doing everything possible to keep them safe.

Make Plans

It helps if a family can plan together for hurricane season.  One family I know meets together to discuss what they will do. Their four children ages three to fifteen, listen, learn, and give input. They have found that their children are learning about hurricanes in school and other programs and have much to offer.  Their friend’s teen saved her horses during Hurricane Charley because she had learned to leave them outside from a guest speaker at her 4-H club meeting.  The barn collapsed during the storm, and her horses would have been injured had they been left indoors. This made an impression on the adults, and they are more open to what their children have to say.

Last hurricane season, my neighbor made lists and assign tasks to family members, checking it off with a sticker or star when each job was done. The younger children enjoyed that visible recognition, and were proud of themselves. I watched as the Mom expressed appreciation to her older daughter, hugging her and thanking her for how she helped her younger sister.

When assigning tasks, they are careful to be reasonable. Depending on their ages and abilities, children help put things away, fold laundry, clear the yard, gather items for evacuation, move outdoor furniture inside, and keep younger children occupied.  Their teen can pack for evacuation, make a home inventory, prepare for pet evacuation, move heavier furniture and equipment, help install shutters; take pictures, and put important papers in plastic protectors.

Your family may need to evacuate or move to one part of your home.  Help children choose what to bring, and pack ahead of time. Include favorites (blanket, stuffed animal), treasures (a special gift or found object), and necessary tools (flashlight, personal radio).   The ideal carrying case is waterproof and can be carried or wheeled easily by the child.  It can be a backpack or canvas bag.  Load the car in advance to see if everything fits.  This is a great time to discuss priorities.   Be sure to include a photo ID and basic identifying information.

Make age-appropriate disaster kits

For infants and toddlers, breast milk is the safest food during an emergency.  Nursing mothers have successfully fed their children through wars and natural disasters.  Nursing has a calming affect on both the mother and child, and nursing can begin up to six months after birth.   If using powdered formula, be sure to have at least 72 hours worth of safe water on hand, and at least that amount of liquid formula if appropriate.  Add diapers, wipes, baby washcloth and towel, a change of clothing, soft toys and board books.

Preschoolers can have their own flashlight, blanket, change of clothes, hat, favorite toy and book. For school age children add a journal and pencil, cards or a board game.   For ‘tweens and teens, add sunscreen and insect repellant if you know they will handle these responsibly.  Children with special needs may have medication, an inhaler, or other special equipment.  Everyone will need water and healthy snacks.

Children should know their names, their parents’ names, address, and phone number.   They should know where to meet in case of emergency and the name of a contact relative outside the immediate area.  Young children can carry this information on a lariat or have it written on clothing or in their disaster kit.   Children need to know how to use 911 and be familiar with disaster helpers, such as firemen, police, FEMA, Red Cross volunteers. Determine a buddy system within the family.

Children thrive on routines and limits. Family routines are certain to be upset in an emergency, and should be re-established as quickly as possible.  This includes getting up, dressing, eating breakfast, going to school, dinner, homework, playtime, and chores.   Limits include the amount and content of TV and computer time allowed, bedtime, healthy foods versus junk foods and drinks, where a child can and cannot play.  For example, downed power lines and standing water MUST be off limits!

Some parents have found that it helps to take time to explain what is happening before and after a storm.  Families can learn about the science of storms and the meaning of weather related vocabulary.  Ask your librarian or bookseller for helpful books to read together.  4-H has developed related curriculum to use with groups, and will be giving presentations at area libraries and park day camps.

Other families allow children to do art projects to express feelings, and to act out scenes using props.  The children drew picture of the storm, before during, or after, then they did a skit on the storm.  Play is a great way for children to process and gain understanding and a sense of control.

After the Hurricane

After a storm, parents can help grieve losses talking about what the storm has taken away.  Did your favorite tree come down?  If so, you might talk about how you’ll miss it’s shade, and how you’ll choose a new tree to plant.  Also talk about good things, such as how everyone helped each other.   Ask, what can we do?   Depending where the storm hit, children can assist with clean-up or help others by sending donations and caring letters. Taking action provides a sense of control.

Every family needs a first aid kit, and to discuss safety after a storm.  Teach children to be careful approaching animals, even your own, as they may be disoriented and can bite. Be sure children are supervised, wear closed-toed shoes, work gloves, and eye protection when helping   Keep a buddy system, know where your children are and give them a time when they are due back. Reassure them that the family is what is most important, and that material things can be replaced in time.  As soon as possible, replace a favorite or treasured item that may have been lost.

After a storm or even after storm preparation, some children may be especially fearful during every day thunder and lightening storms.  They may have nightmares and not want to be away from their parents.  Professional help is available if lasting fears and nightmares occur, and can make all the difference.

Project H.O.P.E. was developed by FEMA to help children handle the emotional aftermath of storms.  Using animal puppet characters and an elaborate, attractive stage, trained staff portray a scene after a storm. They then talk with the audience about what happened, working through any emotional responses the children have.   Project H.O.P.E. collaborates with other youth-serving agencies and can be reached at 863-228-6473 to schedule a performance.

Those who have been hit hard by storms know that the affects can be lasting, and that there is no return to “normal.”  Still, as life goes forward, good things will happen, and children need that reassurance as well.

This information and much more can be accessed through websites for FEMA (find the link for FEMA for Kids), Red Cross, EDEN (Extension Disaster Education Network), Collier County University of Florida Extension, Collier County Health Department – WIC (Women Infants and Children) Program) Disaster Homepage:  Children, Stress, and Natural Disasters, University of Illinois Cooperative Extension Service.

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When the National Hurricane Center issued its first five-day forecast cone in advance of Ian, Southwest Florida was directly in the center. The storm’s path fluctuated over the next few days, but we had our warning. Then, Ian unraveled and brought unprecedented storm surge, torrential rain, and devastating winds.

“From Charley and Wilma to Irma and Ian, Southwest Florida seems to be a target for storms,” said Michael Wynn, president of Sunshine Ace Hardware, which operates locations across Southwest Florida that are stocked with hurricane supplies. “Although forecasters are calling for fewer hurricanes in 2023, last year proved it only takes one storm to change lives and change a community. That’s why it is so important to prepare for hurricane season, whether you’re a lifelong Neapolitan or new to Southwest Florida.”

Finally, pay attention to the local news as the storm nears. If an evacuation order is issued for your neighborhood, the safest thing for you and your family is to leave until the storm has passed. For more information, visit www. sunshineace.com.

Below is a guide to help prepare your home and family for hurricane season.

Preparing your home

• Cordless drill and drill bits. Hanging hurricane shutters with a screwdriver or hand tools is hard work and time consuming. Use a cordless drill to speed up the process. Remember to recharge batteries so your drill is ready to remove shutters once the storm passes.

• Wingnuts. Newer homes typically have hurricane shutter fasteners built into the structure. However, it’s easy to misplace the wingnuts used to lock shutters into place.

• Saw. Chainsaws made quick work of post-storm landscaping debris. Those not comfortable with such a powerful tool, though, can use a handsaw to cut fallen limbs into manageable pieces and a rake to corral twigs and leaves.

• Generator. Most generators provide enough power for a portable A/C unit, refrigerator, and light, allowing a family to feel comfortable inside of a room when the power is out.

• Fuel. Purchase and fill multiple 5-gallon gas cans. You’ll need an ample supply of fuel to power a generator. If you have a gas grill, make sure the propane tank is full.

• Tarps. Roofs are built to withstand nature’s fury, but the combination of wind and rain during hurricanes can expose vulnerable areas of a roof structure. Duct tape and heavy items like bricks or tiles can keep tarps in place until a roofer arrives.

• Cleaning supplies. Wind-driven rain can push water through doors and windows that are not sealed and air-tight. Towels or paper towels, cleaning solutions, and a mop can expedite cleanup.

Preparing your family

• Grill. Use a gas or charcoal grill to cook meat and vegetables before they spoil. Make sure you have enough propane or charcoal in reserve.

• Food. Pack food with substance, like beef jerky, tuna, and granola bars, into sealable plastic containers. Make sure you have access to a traditional hand-cranked can opener. Restaurants and grocery stores might have limited service after a storm.

• Water. Buy a case or two of bottled water, along with gallon jugs. Fill up empty water bottles and containers with potable water.

• Cooler. Freezers and refrigerators will keep food cold only for a few hours after the power goes out. Invest in a premium brand of cooler, like Yeti, to protect your food supply.

• Light source. Lanterns can light up a room, while flashlights and candles offer enough light to see your way around the house. Have a wide selection of each.

• Power bank. Portable cell phone chargers are critical to keep you connected when the power fails. High-capacity chargers can power multiple devices at once.

• Battery-operated fan. Once the power fails, room temperatures heat quickly with no A/C. A portable fan keeps the breeze blowing and the body cool.

• Pet food. Keep at least a seven-day food supply for pets, and enough treats and toys to occupy and stave off boredom. Fallen debris and standing water might interrupt their normal exercise routine.

• Entertainment for kids (of all ages!) Gather toys and games that don’t require electricity.

• Back up Computer to cloud. Be prepared to evacuate with your desk top hard drive or other devices. Put insurance policies and other important documents in a waterproof/fireproof container.

Waiting until Southwest Florida is within the forecast’s “cone of concern” is risky. Supplies may be limited, and lines may be long. Early preparation is the best way to guarantee your home and family will be prepared for the next storm.

For more information, visit www.sunshineace.com.

Florida’s Disaster Preparedness Tax Holiday: No holiday has been announced yet;  Click here to check on updated sales tax holidays.

Sponsored by Sunshine Ace Hardware.

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