Set the alarm for 5:44 a.m.

Web alarm clock for 5:44 a.m.

While you are accompanying the children across a flooded street, the 5:44 am alarm tells you to break away from the task you are already handling. It can mark the point for turning back, checking another route, or handing over to another adult before 6:00 am. Give yourself enough room to pause safely rather than reacting while stepping through water.

With traffic, rain, voices, and splashing around the flooded street, a quiet alarm may disappear into the background. Set the volume while listening from the pocket or bag where you will keep your phone, and choose a signal that stands apart from the surrounding noise. Keep the browser running and the phone awake: if either stops, the alarm may not sound, leaving the children’s crossing without the reminder you expected.

Because 5:44 am falls early, decide beforehand whether you will return to bed after everyone reaches the other side. Keep dry clothes, a towel, and your next alarm ready so the remaining sleep is not lost to searching for things in the dark. If you must stay up, prepare a light and the essentials before leaving, so you do not disturb anyone still sleeping when you come back.