Hurricane Season: A Preschool Guide to Stormy Stuff
Hi everyone!
It’s summer in Florida— which also means another hurricane season is here. When the skies get dramatic, the bread shelves vanish mysteriously, and suddenly everyone becomes a weather expert. But don’t worry, we have your back with our whirlwind tips to riding out Florida’s hurricane season with safe and happy kiddos.
Here's How We Handle Hurricanes 🌀
If you're new to The Melbourne Preschool family, welcome! — and here’s how we roll when the wind picks up. If a State of Emergency is declared, we close — safety first, always. We typically follow Brevard Public Schools (BPS) closures, but not always. Why? Sometimes BPS schools prep early to become storm shelters, and we don’t need those extra prep days. So if it's safe, we may stay open a bit longer to support working families as they get ready. To keep everyone in the loop, all announcements are sent via the ProCare app and posted on our social media pages.
Meet Irma: Our Stormy Surprise With a Fluffy Tail 🐰
If a storm is in the forecast- you’re likely to hear about it from the weather channel- but on our page it’s Irma the bunny who comes in with the weather updates! Back in 2017, Irma was found abandoned outside our building after Hurricane Irma (hence the name!). No one ever came to claim him, so he found a forever home with the school’s owners Mr. Alex & Miss Rebecca — and a permanent place in our hearts.
“There’s a WHAT coming?” – Talking to Kids Calmly
So if Irma the bunny makes a storm closure announcement- now what? When discussing oncoming tropical storms or hurricanes with children, we suggest keeping it light, like:
🗨️ “A big windy rainstorm is coming — like a giant splashy bath from the sky! We’re getting ready with snacks, flashlights, and maybe some extra cuddles”
Kids love stories, so frame the prep as an adventure — minus the scary soundtrack. Avoid too much news chatter, and answer questions like you’re reading a bedtime book: calm voice, cuddly energy.
Pack Like a Pirate 🏴☠️ (But With Juice Boxes)
Let your child help fill the “hurricane treasure chest” (aka go-bag). Essentials? Sure. But also:
One stuffy with superpowers 🧸
A flashlight for shadow puppets 🔦
Snacks that spark joy 🍪
Markers for drawing if the power goes out🎨
Feeling helpful makes kids feel brave and confident. Let them pick one job. Even if it’s “Chief Snack Tester.”
Routines Are the New Superpower 🦸
Chaos outside? Try to keep routines inside! Where possible, stick to normal bedtime routines like they’re made of gold: same lullabies, same snuggle sequence, same storybook (yes, even if it’s The Very Hungry Caterpillar for the 93rd time!). This predictable rhythm is like a calm heartbeat in the storm. By keeping to normal routines as much as possible, you’ll help your child stay calm, and feel in control.
Power’s Out? Play’s On! 🧸
When the power takes a nap, it’s time to bring out the good old-fashioned fun. Build a blanket fort and declare it “Hurricane HQ,” put on a puppet show with socks (clean ones, preferably), or play classic games like “I Spy” , “Tic Tac Toe” and “Guess That Animal Noise.” Got a flashlight? Shadow puppets are basically Broadway by candlelight. And if all else fails — dance party by lantern light. We suggest talking with your child and letting them know the power may take a nap, but not to worry because it always wakes back up! Reassure them that workers always make repairs and get the power back up for everyone- but when it’s napping, so is PawPatrol and Moana. Involve them in choosing which games should be played if it does go out- Managing expectations and outlining the next steps always help our little ones feel safe.
Feelings Happen – And That’s Okay! Let’s Hug It Out 💞
Even brave little pirates get worried. Some may cling, act out, or suddenly need all the Band-Aids.
Let them feel what they feel. Say something like:
🗨️ “It’s okay to be scared. I’m here with you. We’re safe.”
Research shows that having a grown-up who listens and loves, helps kids bounce back faster from stressful events. So go ahead — be their calm in the storm. Your hugs, check-ins, and calm tone aren't just kind—they’re scientifically proven powerful tools.
After the Storm: Play It Out, Dance It Out, Talk It Out
One thing is always sure- the skies will clear and the beach weather will return. After the storm, kids may replay the storm — in drawings, toys, or dramatic dinosaur re-enactments. This is how children process it all. Join in if invited — it’s all part of how children grow and learn!
The TL;DR?
✨ Talk simply
🧃 Pack joyfully
🧘 Stay calm
💬 Validate feelings
💗 And never underestimate the healing power of a hug
From our preschool and daycare family to yours: we can’t stop the wind, but we can help each other weather it — with love, laughter, and a flashlight or two!
Toodleoo!
Academic Source:
1. Terranova, A. M., Boxer, P., Morris, A. S., Heyman, R. E., & Schneiderman, R. L. (2009). Emotional regulation and trauma symptoms in children exposed to Hurricane Katrina. Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology.
https://doi.org/10.1080/15374410903103597