Preparedness for Children
Make a Plan for Your Children
Children experience psychological trauma similar to adults during a disaster but may not have the capability to cope with their emotions. Yet if they know what to do during a disaster and have practiced their family disaster plan, they will be better prepared. Parents have a large role in keeping children calm and ready. Some important steps parents can take to prepare their children for disasters include:
- Developing and practicing a family emergency plan
- Familiarizing yourself with their school emergency plan
- Teach your children how to recognize danger signals
- Explain how and when to call 911
- Help children to memorize important information like full names, phone numbers, and street addresses
- Include comforting items in your emergency supply kit: Blankets, toys, stuffed animals, and favorite foods
Preplanning is also important when you have an infant in the family. It’s crucial that your disaster supply kit contain the following:
- Formula
- Diapers
- Bottles
- Powdered milk
- Medications
- Moist towelettes
- Diaper rash ointment
Building your family emergency kit can be a long process, so try to have fun with it. It’s also a great way to involve your children and make it educational. It could start with a family meeting over pizza and evolve into a trip to the store to seek out essential emergency supplies.
For more information on preparing children for disaster, visit ready.gov/kids or click here.