By KARI BLURTON
Hays Post

Preparing young children for severe weather can make a big difference in a child’s ability to handle emotions in healthy way.

Director of Ellis County Emergency Management Bill Ring said it is not uncommon for children to consider a tornado as real monster coming to “get them.”

Ring said communication is key.

“If you as parents visit with your children about it, talk to them … there are all kinds of safety materials designed for children so they can try to get a basic understanding and let them know … they will be safe, show them where they can go and let them know if there is severe weather they will have a safe place,” he said.

Ring said caregivers should make sure children have some favorite toys, paper and crayons — “something to keep them entertained” — because in the event of severe weather, the duration of time spent in the safe area is simply an unknown.

American Red Cross volunteer and member of the local Disaster Action Team Jason Leiker said the Red Cross has free severe weather materials specifically designed to educate and prepare children.

The materials include the “Ready Kids Activity Book,” where a mountain lion named Rex will help the kids and the family work on a safety plan together.

Leiker said the materials can be downloaded free at www.ready.gov and www.redcross.org  or obtained at the Red Cross office, 208 E. Eighth, Hays.

Additionally, Leiker said the DAT team will soon begin the Pillowcase Project, in which he and other volunteers will visit schools and talk to children about making their own “grab-and-go” emergency kit out of pillowcases filled with items they want when it’s time to move to a safe place.