Story by USAG Stuttgart Emergency Management Office
September is National Preparedness Month
Today’s tip: Talk to your kids about preparing for emergencies and what to do in case you are separated. Reassure them by providing information about how they can get involved.
Teach Youth about Preparedness
As you plan ahead for an emergency, it is important that you discuss potential hazards with your children. Make sure they understand what might happen and what their job is during an emergency. Emergencies are scary situations, but if you talk about them beforehand, your kids may stay much calmer.
Disasters happen everywhere, and every member of the family can prepare. Preparedness for the future starts today.
Make a Plan
- Develop your evacuation procedure as a family so your children understand where you are going and why.
- Develop a communications procedure as a family by writing down all phone numbers you and your kids would need, as well as how to get in touch with each other if you are separated. Identify trusted people to assist your children until your family reconnects.
- Let your kids be involved in every process of planning.
Build a Kit
- Put your emergency kits together as a family.
- Make it fun. Create a list together, then have a scavenger hunt to gather supplies for the kit.
- Discuss why it is important to have each item in the kit.
- Include toys and activities in your kit.
Practice
- Practice monthly what you might do as a family in different emergency situations so children do not forget.
- Let your kids as questions and give their opinions regarding your plan’s effectiveness.
- The more they talk about it, the more likely they will be ready when something happens, and the more comfortable they will feel.
Disasters can leave children and teens feeling frightened, confused, and insecure. Their responses can be quite varied. It’s important to not only recognize these reactions, but also help children cope with their emotions. Find more resources here: Helping Children Cope | Ready.gov
The Ready Army Kid’s Campaign provides preparedness activities designed specifically for children. The Kid’s Campaign products are provided below in Adobe PDF format and are printer friendly.
Enjoy these preparedness activities as a family:
Emergency Kit Checklist for Kids
Prepared Kids Activity Sheet and Resource Guide
Winter Weather Emergency Kit Activity
Where to Find Additional Information:
- Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
- American Red Cross
- Centers for Disease Control
- Ready Army—your complete web resource for emergency preparedness information, checklists, helpful resources and children’s activities.
