Children can be especially sensitive to the emotional stress of an emergency. Parents can help prepare children by including them in the planning process and answering their questions about safety. Make sure your children take part in your preparation process and ensure that you have included supplies that make them feel comfortable and safe.
Be sure to teach your children the following:
- Basic emergency response plans, such as your family evacuation plan, "Drop, Cover, and Hold", and practice them together
- How and when to dial 9-1-1; role-play 9-1-1 calls with them
- How to dial your home telephone number and important cell phone numbers
- How to reach an out-of-area family contact
- Their basic contact information
- What natural gas smells like and what they should do if they smell it
- What to do if a parent becomes ill and the child is home alone
School / Day Care
Know your child's school or day care emergency plan. Find out where children will be taken in the event of an evacuation during school hours. Keep your contact information up-to-date at your child's school. Authorize a friend or relative to pick up your children in an emergency and let the school know who that designated person is. Put your child's emergency plan card on file at his or her school.
Additions to the Emergency Kit and Go Bag
A recent family photograph
Comfort foods
Toys and games
