"Anything you can get in one laundry basket."

Saturday September 12, 2009

"Anything you can get in one laundry basket."

A woman, who had grown up in hurricane country, told me that before every evacuation her mother would hand each child a laundry basket. She would tell them, "Anything you can get in one laundry basket you can take with you." I suggest that all parents who are evacuating children follow this wise and compassionate mother's example.

How often do we refuse or forget to evacuate our children treasures? During an evacuation we are desperate to try and save as many of our cherished possessions as possible. If your child is old enough to understand the approaching danger, they will be equally desperate to save the items they value. One laundry basket's worth of transport space seems to be a fair amount to set aside for them. I would allow an older child to choose what items should go in the basket. You may or may not know what is important to the child. It is much safer to give the power of selection to them.

Don't forget to take some things for a younger child. A younger child will not be able to pack their own laundry basket so you will have to take a few minutes to help them. You probably will know which toys are the most important to your younger child. Always pack the playthings which comfort and soothe your young child. It could be a stuffed animal they like to sleep with, a favorite doll, or a few of their favorite books.

Thanks to the woman who was kind enough to tell me about her mother and the laundry baskets. I'm sorry I am unable to remember your mother's name so I can give her credit for reminding us to consider a child's needs during evacuation. However, I definitely remembered her story. I hope all the parents out there will also remember when it comes time to evacuate with the kids.

Additional evacuation information is available at www.wineandchocolateplan.com

Disasters Get Dark!

Monday August 24, 2009

DISASTERS GET DARK!

Today is the first day of school in the area where I live. The bright yellow school buses are rolling through the neighborhoods picking up nervous and excited children and leaving behind grateful and apprehensive parents. This morning I went outside to pick up the newspaper and watched one of these buses pass by my house. I received a variety of greetings from the occupants of the bus. There were smiles, frowns, waves, tongues stuck out, and one rude gesture.

I was only paying minimal attention to the various salutations from the passing students. Instead, I was lost in admiration of the radiant yellow color the school bus was painted. At some distant point in school history someone made a really good decision in picking out the color for the school buses. Why? The buses need to be highly visible so other drivers can be especially cautious when driving near them. The vivid color makes school buses stand out from the rest of the traffic. You have to first be aware of a vehicle with precious cargo before you can take care around it.

The same rule applies to children during an evacuation. We need to be able to see our kids to keep them safe from any approaching disaster. Not only kids but all family members should put on their brightest clothing before evacuating. Disasters get dark. Visibility can be obscured by dark skies, falling rain, heavy smoke, settling debris, or crowded conditions. During the possible chaos of an evacuation a bright t-shirt on yourself and your child is an important safety factor. In an emergency it is vital that you be able to see your child and they see you.

I am now intrigued by the color of the school bus. Should anyone out there know who originally chose the bright yellow color I would appreciate you writing me.

There is additional evacuation information at www.wineandchocolateplan.com