Teaching Your Children Emergency Safety
Dangerous weather events, medical crises and other types of emergencies can occur when you least expect. While it can be unpleasant to discuss, it’s vital kids know what to do and how to respond when these situations arise.
Here is a look into the importance of teaching your children emergency preparedness, creating family emergency plans, as well as the ins and outs of calling 911.
The Importance of Educating Early
Kids are vulnerable during a disaster, but it shouldn’t mean they are helpless. Emergency preparedness training should start early and be approached carefully. Although you may be worried about frightening them, learning about disasters and how to respond helps them gain a sense of control. It can also work to relieve the anxiety they feel when faced with danger.
There are many tactics to help children prepare depending on their age. With little ones, it can begin with roleplaying and pretend play. For older children and teens, there can be practice drills, talks of when and how to call 911, as well as educational online resources. Whatever their age, it’s recommended to go over everything as a family and include them in the planning process.
Talking About Scary Topics
Discussing possible emergency scenarios should start with teaching children the difference between a problem and an emergency. Problems are matters they need help with but do not require emergency services. Emergencies are when something unusual is happening that could hurt people or cause damage. They require immediate assistance from police officers, firefighters or paramedics.
Understanding the difference helps them better determine who to contact and what to do. For example, if they are locked out of the house or the electricity goes out, your kids should call you or contact a trusted neighbor to solve the problem. If something serious is happening, such as a medical emergency or fire, they should dial 911.
Along the same lines is teaching them the significance of staying calm. Crises can be upsetting for anyone. Kids who don’t know what’s happening may react more intensely. Remind them it’s healthy and normal to be scared in emergencies, but keeping their composure can improve the situation. Help them recognize that although they are young, they can make a huge difference to those around them when they do the right thing.
One of the best ways to help them stay calm during the event is to talk about the specific dangers ahead of time. With an enhanced understanding of the situation and the tools needed, children can be better prepared, should it occur.
Creating an Evacuation Plan, Emergency Kit, Contact Card and More
In the event of severe weather, fire or natural disaster, there needs to be a coordinated plan in place. Explain the events that could happen near you, what they are like and what to do if they take place. If it requires staying in the house, establish a safe room away from windows or in the basement. If evacuation is necessary, such as with a hurricane, practice evacuating as a group.
In case of separation, your kids should know how to call 911, identify themselves, distinguish their location, reach emergency contacts and get to predetermined safe locations. This can be a lot for little ones. One way they can keep important information on-hand is with a contact card. The card can be kept in their backpack and should list contacts with names and phone numbers.
Put together an emergency supply kit as a family while explaining the items and how to use them. Pack a three-day supply of water, blankets, flashlights, nonperishable food and kid-friendly activities. Remember to keep extra gloves, face masks and hand sanitizer in the kit as well.
Do the same with a first-aid kit. Accidents happen and seeing someone who is hurt can be scary. Knowing where the first-aid kit is located is a big step for little ones, even if they can’t use any of the items. As they age, show them basic first-aid skills.
All of this can be overwhelming, but there are ways to make it easier for them to memorize.
Here are some options to consider:
- Incorporate visuals by writing key points with pictures or as a presentation.
- Print instructions and keep them with emergency supplies.
- Email the instructions to older children to store on a tablet or phone.
- Practice fire and emergency drills routinely as they age.
The Do’s and Don’ts of Calling 911
Calling for help is usually the most effective thing children can do in an emergency. They need to know how and when to do it. Explain the differences in key situations and what really warrants dialing 9-1-1. For instance, a stolen bicycle or fight with a sibling is a problem, but not an emergency. However, if there’s an intruder, a fire or an unconscious family member, 911 is necessary. Make sure they understand calling 911 as a joke is a crime in many places.
Practice for when it is time to call. Instruct them to take a deep breath to calm down, how to dial and what information to tell the operator. This includes the type of emergency, their name and location, what happened, and if anyone is hurt. Role-play as the operator to have your kids follow instructions and stay calm until help arrives.
Communication Is Key
Being prepared for emergencies starts at home. As a parent or guardian, you have an essential role to play when it comes to helping the children in your life plan and practice for when disaster strikes. These steps are necessary for family safety, but clear communication is equally important.
Instruct them in a way that gets through to them. Encourage them to ask questions, talk about the emergency and describe how it makes them feel. Be sure to listen to what they have to say and include the entire household in the discussion.
For further family emergency safety tips, please see the accompanying resource.
Teaching Your Children Emergency Safety
Dangerous weather events, medical crises and other types of emergencies can occur when you least expect. While it can be unpleasant to discuss, it’s vital kids know what to do and how to respond when these situations arise.
Here is a look into the importance of teaching your children emergency preparedness, creating family emergency plans, as well as the ins and outs of calling 911.
The Importance of Educating Early
Kids are vulnerable during a disaster, but it shouldn’t mean they are helpless. Emergency preparedness training should start early and be approached carefully. Although you may be worried about frightening them, learning about disasters and how to respond helps them gain a sense of control. It can also work to relieve the anxiety they feel when faced with danger.
There are many tactics to help children prepare depending on their age. With little ones, it can begin with roleplaying and pretend play. For older children and teens, there can be practice drills, talks of when and how to call 911, as well as educational online resources. Whatever their age, it’s recommended to go over everything as a family and include them in the planning process.
Talking About Scary Topics
Discussing possible emergency scenarios should start with teaching children the difference between a problem and an emergency. Problems are matters they need help with but do not require emergency services. Emergencies are when something unusual is happening that could hurt people or cause damage. They require immediate assistance from police officers, firefighters or paramedics.
Understanding the difference helps them better determine who to contact and what to do. For example, if they are locked out of the house or the electricity goes out, your kids should call you or contact a trusted neighbor to solve the problem. If something serious is happening, such as a medical emergency or fire, they should dial 911.
Along the same lines is teaching them the significance of staying calm. Crises can be upsetting for anyone. Kids who don’t know what’s happening may react more intensely. Remind them it’s healthy and normal to be scared in emergencies, but keeping their composure can improve the situation. Help them recognize that although they are young, they can make a huge difference to those around them when they do the right thing.
One of the best ways to help them stay calm during the event is to talk about the specific dangers ahead of time. With an enhanced understanding of the situation and the tools needed, children can be better prepared, should it occur.
Creating an Evacuation Plan, Emergency Kit, Contact Card and More
In the event of severe weather, fire or natural disaster, there needs to be a coordinated plan in place. Explain the events that could happen near you, what they are like and what to do if they take place. If it requires staying in the house, establish a safe room away from windows or in the basement. If evacuation is necessary, such as with a hurricane, practice evacuating as a group.
In case of separation, your kids should know how to call 911, identify themselves, distinguish their location, reach emergency contacts and get to predetermined safe locations. This can be a lot for little ones. One way they can keep important information on-hand is with a contact card. The card can be kept in their backpack and should list contacts with names and phone numbers.
Put together an emergency supply kit as a family while explaining the items and how to use them. Pack a three-day supply of water, blankets, flashlights, nonperishable food and kid-friendly activities. Remember to keep extra gloves, face masks and hand sanitizer in the kit as well.
Do the same with a first-aid kit. Accidents happen and seeing someone who is hurt can be scary. Knowing where the first-aid kit is located is a big step for little ones, even if they can’t use any of the items. As they age, show them basic first-aid skills.
All of this can be overwhelming, but there are ways to make it easier for them to memorize.
Here are some options to consider:
- Incorporate visuals by writing key points with pictures or as a presentation.
- Print instructions and keep them with emergency supplies.
- Email the instructions to older children to store on a tablet or phone.
- Practice fire and emergency drills routinely as they age.
The Do’s and Don’ts of Calling 911
Calling for help is usually the most effective thing children can do in an emergency. They need to know how and when to do it. Explain the differences in key situations and what really warrants dialing 9-1-1. For instance, a stolen bicycle or fight with a sibling is a problem, but not an emergency. However, if there’s an intruder, a fire or an unconscious family member, 911 is necessary. Make sure they understand calling 911 as a joke is a crime in many places.
Practice for when it is time to call. Instruct them to take a deep breath to calm down, how to dial and what information to tell the operator. This includes the type of emergency, their name and location, what happened, and if anyone is hurt. Role-play as the operator to have your kids follow instructions and stay calm until help arrives.
Communication Is Key
Being prepared for emergencies starts at home. As a parent or guardian, you have an essential role to play when it comes to helping the children in your life plan and practice for when disaster strikes. These steps are necessary for family safety, but clear communication is equally important.
Instruct them in a way that gets through to them. Encourage them to ask questions, talk about the emergency and describe how it makes them feel. Be sure to listen to what they have to say and include the entire household in the discussion.
For further family emergency safety tips, please see the accompanying resource.
