We are hoping all have fared well the past few days throughout the storm. Were you prepared? What does it mean to be prepared?

According to Websters Dictionary – Preparation is the action or process of making something ready for use or service or of getting ready for some occasion, test, or duty.

Preparing and surviving weather related crisis can be a test to some degree.  As adults, we go through an extensive list of things that need to be done in order to prepare for storms, snow days, etc. Our list looks something like this- food, water, batteries, flashlights, candles, gas in the car, etc.  It is very important to be prepared because the weather and or outcome of weather related issues can be so unpredictable. However there is one thing we can predict: children, like us, can get antsy being stuck indoors for a day let alone several days. We understand that those times of preparation can be very hectic; I have listed below some helpful hints to help and guide you so that when an emergency comes, it will be one less thing you have to prepare for.

1. Purchase a plastic tote and have your children help decorate it so they have something to look forward to on bad weather days. Then fill it with the following items:

• Your child’s own flashlight (which they can decorate)
• Small craft projects, they can usually be found for a dollar or two at local craft stores.
• A few toys to use for a scavenger hunt or as prizes for games. (The dollar store usually has great toys for this)
• A printed list of games to play.

2. It is also important to make sure you have a list of friends or family that you can share childcare with in the event your child care facility can not re-open. This is one way to avoid missing too many days off from work.

3. As always, try and keep children as close to their routine as possible.

Here are some Games and Activities you can play too!

• Flashlight Tag
• Board Games/Card Games
• Put up tents (blankets/sheets) and Camp out
• Hide and Go Seek
• Scavenger hunt (pre-made list or pictures of things or places in your home)
• Have them help with a chore and the first to finish gets a prize.

Please remember as you are watching the news to be informed and aware of what is going on; little ones are listening. Depending on their age they may not understand the terms being used or even understand the location of where the weather is or is going. Take a few minutes to explain in terms they will understand depending on age.

Thank you for listening,

Sue Jurjevic

Sue Jurjevic is a Recreation Specialist for the Manassas Park Parks and Recreation Department. She can be reached at 703.335.8872 or via email at s.jurjevic@manassasparkva.gov

Community Matters is a blog created by the City of Manassas Park Department of Parks and Recreation. The blog features program updates, announcements of new services, special event notices, or information of general interest.

Source: Websters Dictionary