Get kids involved
- Teach them how to use the phone, and when it’s appropriate to call 911.
- Make sure young children know their address, phone number, and their parents/caregivers’ first and last names.
- Have them help when assembling your emergency supply kit. Make sure everyone in the family knows where the kit is located.
- Practice your evacuation plan as a family on a regular basis (part of your family emergency plan).
- Discuss where the family should meet in the event you are separated in an emergency. Go over this information often.
- Talk about how you will take care of any pets you may have if you need to evacuate or shelter in place.
- Make sure they know who your family’s emergency contact person is, and have them carry their contact information with them at all times. Put the information, along with your home, work and cell phone numbers in their school bag, wallet or purse, or program it into their cell phones.
- Check out the Prepare with Pedro video library for more kids resources.
Make a family emergency plan
Get kids involved in creating your family emergency plan. Talk to your kids & make sure they know what to do and who to contact if disaster strikes when they are at school or at home. The more they help plan, the more ready they will be.
Helping children cope after disasters
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. Check out Ready Kids for more information and resources.
Another great resource for dealing with traumatic events is the National Child Traumatic Stress Network Guide. The guide describes how young children, school-age children, and adolescents react to traumatic events and offers suggestions on how parents and caregivers can help support them.