Info for Expectant Parents and Central Florida Families

Do the names Charley, Frances, Ivan, and Jeanne ring a bell? It’s been 10 years since our sunshine state battled these record-breaking hurricanes, which remain among the top 10 costliest hurricanes to hit the United States. The anniversary of these storms is a brisk reminder coinciding with this week’s Sales Tax Holiday for Hurricane Supplies (a bill signed by Governor Scott).

“The sales tax holiday for hurricane preparedness supplies will make preparing for this year’s hurricane season easier for all Floridians,” said Bryan W. Koon, Director of Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM). “By keeping money in Floridian’s pockets while encouraging them to prepare, we ensure Florida is ready for all hazards and continues to be the best state in the nation to work, live, and play.” A disaster supply kit can be an effective tool to ensure that your family has enough water, food, medicine, and other essential resources in the event of a weather-related emergency. Visit www.FloridaDisaster.org to see which items are tax-free this week and to review a sample list of materials to add to your disaster kit.

Despite the many super powers that mothers possess, Mother Nature still can overpower, especially if storm preparations are not taken. According to the March of Dimes, natural disasters can especially bring unexpected complications to pregnant women and infants living in high-risk areas. “Weather emergencies – such as the torrential rains that recently hit our Gulf Coast – and other kinds of disasters can bring devastating consequences, and are particularly nerve-wracking for pregnant women and new parents,” said Dr. Karen Harris, Chair of the Program Services Committee for the Florida Chapter of the March of Dimes. “March of Dimes urges you to be prepared and have a plan in place to save time in an emergency and help reduce unneeded stress.”

Women should speak with their obstetrician or healthcare provider to address concerns that unexpected weather could have on existing birthing plans. Families should follow local hurricane readiness guidelines and put together an emergency bag in the event that they need to evacuate quickly. March of Dimes offers downloadable brochures with preparation tips surrounding food, water, breastfeeding, infant formula, and signs & symptoms of preterm and normal labor, including Prepare for Disaster – Families with Infants or Anyone Caring for a Newborn and Prepare for Disaster – Pregnant Women ─ both aimed to educate expectant mothers / new mothers on how to seek medical care during a weather-related emergency.

The FDEM is also reminding Florida parents to include children and teens in their hurricane preparedness process. Launched in 2004, the Kids Get a Plan campaign, which includes books, activities, an interactive website, and mobile apps, is “an engaging and educational tool designed to help Florida’s youngest residents learn about disaster preparedness,” explained Koon. “I encourage parents to visit this website with their kids and to help children better understand – in a non-threatening way – how to prepare for potential disasters.”

KidsGetAPlan.com presents basic weather safety and emergency preparedness concepts through age-appropriate activities and stories. The site allows kids and their parents to read a series of disaster safety related books, play games that teach them how to build a disaster supply kit, practice lightning safety, and understand other essential safety facts. Each book is written to grade-level standards and explains complex topics, such as evacuations and emergency sheltering in a safe, nonthreatening way.

What precautions are your taking for the 2014 hurricane season? Share your comments on our Relatively Speaking blog and via Facebook and Twitter.