ENLweb hor
fbig

Typhoons and Emergency Preparedness: A Nanny’s Guide to Keeping Children Safe

July 8, 2025

Typhoons are one of the most powerful and destructive natural disasters, especially common in coastal regions and tropical climates. As a nanny, you may find yourself responsible for young children during these unpredictable events. That’s why typhoons and emergency preparedness: a nanny’s guide to keeping children safe is more than a blog post—it’s a critical resource for caregivers.

Emergency preparedness is not just about having a first aid kit. It’s about anticipating scenarios, educating children in age-appropriate ways, and being calm and decisive when a storm hits. Your actions can significantly impact the physical and emotional safety of the children in your care. This guide will walk you through every stage—before, during, and after a typhoon—to ensure you're ready.

Understanding Typhoons and Their Impact

Typhoon warning sign with dark storm clouds in the background

Before diving into preparedness, it’s essential to understand what a typhoon is. A typhoon is a tropical cyclone that forms in the Northwestern Pacific Ocean. It brings violent winds, heavy rainfall, storm surges, flooding, and landslides.

Typhoons can:

  • Knock out power for days
  • Disrupt water supply
  • Damage infrastructure and homes
  • Create communication blackouts
  • Cause panic and confusion, especially in children

By knowing the science and risks behind typhoons, you can prepare more effectively. Start by learning about your local typhoon season and understanding the alert systems in your area (e.g., Signal Warnings, Flood Advisories, etc.).

Stage 1: Preparing Before a Typhoon

Emergency kit items for children including flashlight, snacks, stuffed toy, and raincoat

Preparation is your first—and strongest—line of defense. As a nanny, your role is both logistical and emotional: managing supplies and comforting children.

1.1 Monitor Weather Alerts

Woman using a weather alert app on a smartphone during a storm

Install weather apps like:

  • NOAA Weather Radar Live
  • AccuWeather
  • National Weather Service (NWS)

Set alerts for your current location. Sign up for SMS warnings from local emergency services.

1.2 Develop a Family Emergency Plan

Nanny and children practicing a storm drill in the living room

Coordinate with the family on:

  • Emergency contacts (parents, neighbors, relatives)
  • Evacuation routes
  • Safe rooms in the house (usually interior bathrooms or basements)
  • Child-specific needs (allergies, medications, sensory sensitivities)

Print out the emergency plan and keep a digital copy on your phone. Practice the plan monthly with the children, incorporating simple steps they can remember.

Stage 2: Building a Child-Focused Emergency Kit

Safe room with child-friendly emergency items like books, flashlights, and snacks

An emergency kit should go beyond basics when caring for children. You must prepare for physical needs and emotional well-being.

2.1 Emergency Kit Checklist

Essentials:

  • Flashlights (with extra batteries)
  • First aid kit with child-friendly supplies
  • Power bank and charging cables
  • Whistle (for signaling)

For Children:

  • Diapers, wipes, and rash cream (if applicable)
  • Child-safe snacks and bottled water
  • Extra clothes, socks, and raincoats
  • Copies of IDs and health records
  • Pacifiers, teething toys, or favorite stuffed animals
  • Noise-canceling headphones (for sensory-sensitive children)

2.2 Keep It Accessible

Store your kit in a waterproof backpack. Place it in an area that's easy to grab at a moment's notice—ideally near the safe room or front door. For families with vehicles, keep a second kit in the car.

Stage 3: Educating and Involving the Children

Printed evacuation plan and emergency contacts clipped to a clipboard

Children should not be passive bystanders during emergencies. Involving them helps build resilience and gives them a sense of control.

3.1 Age-Appropriate Communication

Toddlers:

“Sometimes the sky gets really windy and rainy. We stay inside and snuggle until it’s safe again.”

Preschoolers:

“A typhoon is a big storm. We’ll play a game where we hide in the safest part of the house and wait for the storm to pass.”

For school-aged kids:

“We’re going to review our storm safety plan and practice what to do if the lights go out or if we need to leave the house quickly.”

3.2 Practice Makes Peace

Do mock drills that include:

  • Gathering the emergency bag
  • Moving to the safe zone
  • Turning off lights (simulate power outage)
  • Calming down techniques (deep breaths, counting, songs)

Use visuals like drawings, printed plans, or sticker charts to reinforce steps. The goal is to make the process familiar and non-threatening.

Stage 4: Staying Safe During the Typhoon

When the typhoon hits, your focus shifts to sheltering in place and maintaining emotional security.

4.1 Safety in the Safe Room

Stay in a windowless room with solid walls. Bring:

  • Emergency kit
  • Extra blankets or sleeping bags
  • Light snacks
  • Activities like books, puzzles, or coloring materials

Avoid using candles—opt for battery-powered lamps instead. If flooding becomes a risk, be prepared to move to a higher level of the house.

4.2 Keep Calm and Reassure

Children look to adults for emotional cues. Stay calm, even if the situation is frightening. Use simple words:

“The storm is loud, but we’re safe. Let’s tell a story while we wait.”

Use calming tools:

  • Sing songs
  • Use essential oil rollers (if safe for children)
  • Cuddle with favorite stuffed animals
  • Read familiar books

Stage 5: Communicating with Parents and Authorities

Close-up of a woman’s hands sending a text to parents during a typhoon

Your role includes real-time updates.

5.1 Check-Ins with Parents

Let parents know when:

  • You've activated the safety plan
  • You're moving to a safe room
  • The children are calm and safe

Use whatever method still works—text, phone, or messaging apps. If internet is down, SMS or emergency radio are useful backups.

5.2 Reporting and Assistance

If you experience an emergency (injury, structural damage, need for evacuation), contact:

Stage 6: After the Storm Passes

Neighborhood street with storm debris and emerging sunlight after typhoon

Even when the wind stops, danger can linger. Carefully assess your surroundings.

6.1 Post-Storm Checklist

Before letting children leave the safe room:

  • Inspect for broken glass, flooding, or fallen wires
  • Avoid drinking tap water unless deemed safe
  • Do not use elevators
  • Check for gas leaks (listen and smell—don’t light anything)

Continue keeping children indoors until authorities declare it safe.

6.2 Emotional Debrief

Once the situation is stable:

  • Let kids talk about their feelings
  • Reassure them the worst is over
  • Keep routines—meals, naps, storytime—to restore normalcy

If children show signs of trauma (nightmares, clinginess, aggression), notify the parents and suggest professional support if needed.

Stage 7: Strengthening Future Preparedness

Woman checking and restocking items in an emergency bag

Every experience is a learning opportunity. Use it to improve your family’s plan.

7.1 Review What Worked

Ask yourself:

  • Did the children feel secure?
  • Were the emergency supplies sufficient?
  • Was the communication clear and reliable?

Document these lessons. Suggest updates to the emergency kit or drills based on what you learned.

7.2 Resources for Continuous Learning

Keep yourself educated by exploring:

  • Ready.gov
  • American Red Cross
  • Local government training sessions or workshops
  • Emergency response courses like CPR or First Aid Certification

Typhoon Safety Tips for Nannies with Special Responsibilities

8.1 Caring for Multiple Children

Prioritize safety by grouping children by age and ability. Keep toddlers close and assign older children “helping roles” like handing out snacks or comforting their siblings.

8.2 Nanny to a Child with Disabilities

Nanny standing with a child with disabilities and an emergency backpack

Speak with the parents about:

  • Specific medical needs
  • Emergency medications
  • Sensory preferences
  • Best communication tools (PECS boards, noise blockers, etc.)

Conclusion: Be the Calm in the Storm

Typhoons and emergency preparedness: a nanny’s guide to keeping children safe isn’t just about checklists—it’s about being a calm, informed, and dependable presence during some of life’s most stressful moments. Your preparation, empathy, and leadership can turn a frightening event into a manageable one for the children you care for.

By taking these steps now, you're not only protecting lives—you're also modeling resilience and responsibility for the next generation.

Contact Elite Nanny League

2025 ENL Marketing Content 45

At Elite Nanny League, we know that behind every summer adventure is a nanny giving her all—organizing, energizing, comforting, and creating magic under the sun. But even the most dedicated caregivers need space to recharge. That’s why we champion nannies who care deeply for children—and for themselves.

Our nannies are professionals who understand that self-care isn’t indulgent—it’s essential. From setting healthy boundaries to staying hydrated on park days, they model wellness and resilience in real time. They show up with sunscreen and snacks and the inner calm that comes from tending to their own needs with intention and grace.

Whether it’s a midday mindfulness break during nap time or a quiet evening ritual after a 12-hour travel day, they know that caring for themselves means they can keep showing up with joy, patience, and presence.

At Elite Nanny League, we match families with nannies who bring their whole selves to the role—energized, supported, and sustainable. Because summer should be bright, not burnout. And every child deserves a caregiver who’s not only capable—but cared for, too.

Looking for a nanny who prioritizes both the children and her own well-being? Let’s find your perfect match—one who brings sunshine, balance, and lasting care to your home.

Why Every Nanny Needs Strong References (and How to Check Them)

Learn why nanny references matter and how to check them to find safe, reliable, and trustworthy childcare.

Read More →
The Key Qualities Every Overnight Nanny Should Have

Learn what makes a great overnight nanny — dependable, calm, and attentive care that helps both children and parents rest easy through the night.

Read More →
How to Choose the Right Nanny Service for Your Family

Discover how to choose the right nanny service for your family with expert tips from Elite Nanny League. Learn how to evaluate nanny agencies, what to ask during interviews, and how to find trusted, qualified caregivers in Houston.

Read More →

Ready to start your search?

Get started!
© 2022 Elite Nanny League 
 |  Made by a Peanut
chevron-down