There is a high probability of your child being on the playground or in the classroom in the event there is an emergency. It is in your best interest that your kids are well-versed in emergency preparedness 101. Empowering your children can be done effectively by instilling some basic instincts and setting an example. One important part of your kid’s emergency strategy should be being up to date with their school’s emergency procedures.
The school should also have your emergency contact information such as home, mobile and work telephone numbers. Having some additional tips can go a long way in ensuring your kids are prepared for an emergency.
Prepare a kit
Everyone needs to be have supplies that can last them at least 3 days following a disaster. Kids are not an exception to this fact. It is crucial to be informed about the supplies in your child’s school. Some schools may lack enough emergency food due to budget cuts. In some areas, it has been confirmed that some schools do not have funding for earthquake kits.
To be on the safe side, you as a parent, should ensure your child is prepared for an earthquake hit. One of the ways to go about this is using St. John’s Ambulance emergency kits. They offer two emergency kits: Children’s Comfort Emergency and Basic Student Kits. Take note that the former has a blanket made form fleece fabric.
Teach your children 911
It is crucial to teach your children how to use 911. This may save you or your child’s lives in an emergency. There are some simple steps you can use to teach your kids how to use 911 irrespective of their age. The steps are:
- Begin by explaining what 911 is and why it is important
- Show them how they can assess the risk before they dial 911
- Teach them the information they should provide once they have dialed 911
- Use different scenarios to practice with them. Doing this will ensure they are more familiar with concept and they do not get frightened
Role-play/practice
Use role-play to familiarize children with emergency situations. Such a move will help reduce anxiety or panic in case a real emergency occurs. For instance, you can come up with a game that has scenarios for your children to assess their knowledge. Scenarios should be adapted according to your child’s development and age. Practice with the scenarios on a regular basis. It is advisable to practice several times a year so that your kids are as prepared as possible should an emergency arise.
Helping kids prepare
It is important to teach your children about natural hazards such as blizzards, ice storms, severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, hurricanes and earthquakes – and what needs to be done should they occur. You and your kids should prepare and emergency kit (that includes simple emergency food) and make a family emergency plan together. Teach your kids what they should do in case there is a fire.
Helping kids cope
Children, in particular, can be deeply stressed by emergency situations and may have different reactions. The key to assisting your children cope in emergencies is by making them feel safe by being there. Additionally, you can keep them comfortable and warm by using any fleece fabric. You can make them feel safe by doing the following:
· Take their fears seriously by assuring them and telling them it is okay to be scared
· Tell your children what you feel and think. Doing so will assist them feel less alone as they will know you have similar feelings
· Maintain familiar routines such as regular bedtime and mealtime hours
· Parents play a huge role in assisting their children deal with anxiety. Even though this is the case, it may be of great help to talk to professionals such as social workers or psychologists. They are trained to help children cope and understand any emotions they may have.
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