Is your family ready for an emergency?

2/28/2020 (Permalink)

Children and Youth Emergency Preparedness

Ensure your kids know what to do in the case of emergency. When making your plan make sure your kids are included and know what to do!

What you should know about Youth Preparedness

• Ensure children are included in preparedness conversations
• Learn the building blocks of preparedness − Be Informed, make a Plan, build a kit and get involved.
• Know the emergency plan for your child’s school and childcare facility
• Practice evacuation plans and other emergency procedures with children on a regular basis
• Learn different ways to help children cope during and after an emergency
• Make sure children have emergency contacts memorized or written down in a secure place
• Teach kids when and how to call important phone numbers like 911

Communication

• Make sure everyone, including children, knows how and when to call 911 for help
• Make sure they know their addressee so they can provide proper information over the phone.
• Who’s your emergency contact? Make sure the kids know who it is and practice with them. 
• Update school records and discuss emergency contact numbers with kids before they go: 
• Review your family emergency communications plan with kids at your next household meeting

Emergency Kit

• Include your child's medication or supplies in your family’s emergency kit.
• Include your child's favorite stuffed animals, board games, books or music in their emergency kit to comfort them in a disaster.
• Get the kids involved in building their own emergency kit: 

Parents

• Store important family documents on your phone in a safe secure app. Keep hard copies in secure place.
• Emergencies can happen anytime. Ensure your child is prepared for the emergency.
• Email, voice, or text. What will your child’s school use to communicate during an emergency? Make a plan before a disaster and discuss with your kids.
• Many Americans aren’t familiar with their child’s school evacuation & reunification plans. Are you?

By making a plan and letting everyone know how to react during an emergency your helping your family be that much safer.