How to cope with the storm
Staying calm is important for you and your family. The best way to remain calm during a storm is to stay busy. Plan ahead how you will spend the long hours as you wait for the storm to pass, often without electricity. Understand that children can get anxious when taken out of their normal routines. Here are some hints:
Stay connected with the outside world by monitoring the storm with a battery-operated radio. Many radio stations have equipment that give immediate alerts from the National Weather Service.
Gather some books, magazines and other material to read. Make sure to include stuff for the kids, such as puzzles. It could be fun to read by flashlight.
Keep video games handy.
Old-fashioned board games can help pass the hours. So, too, can playing cards and dominos.
A portable DVD player can keep the kids occupied as they watch their favorite movies. A portable CD player can help, too.
Stock up on snack foods. Hours of little to do can make you hungrier.
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