Get Important Advice About Helping Your Children Prepare For Disasters

June 6, 2009

Disasters often strike quickly, without warning. Though sometimes it’s impossible to predict a disaster, you can always be prepared for one. Preparing and planning for any type of disaster will make survival and recovery much less complicated. Teaching children their part in an emergency plan and preparing them mentally and physically makes surviving significantly more manageable.

A crucial aspect of creating and executing a successful emergency plan is teaching individuals involved the details of the plan. Discuss the plan step-by-step and identify responsibilities and tasks of each individual in the household. Precise, easy directions help prevent confusion. Practice your plan with your children so you can be sure the plan will work and the children can be familiar with what to do. Keeping up-dated 72-hour kits prepared in easily accessible locations at all times in another essential step to preparing for any type of emergency. One 72-hour kit per person in the home should be made. Each kit should be specific in addressing the needs of each child according to medicines, records, and clothing. A child’s 72-hour-kit should include the following:

• Food and Water (Remember that these items cannot be cooked or refrigerated.)
o Crackers/Cereals (for munching)
• Clothing/Warmth/Shelter
o Change of Clothing (short and long sleeve shirts, pants, socks, jackets, etc.)
o Undergarments
o Rain Coat /Poncho
• Lighting
o Flashlights

o Light Sticks
• Personal Supplies and Medication
o Medication (Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, asthma inhalers, children’s medication, etc.)
o Prescription Medication (for 3 days)
• Personal Documents
o Legal Documents (Birth Certificates, Passports, immunization records, etc.)
• MISC
o Infant Needs (if applicable)
o Small, Lightweight toys and games for Children (For calming effect, comfort, and entertainment)

Sometimes there are different directions for different types of disasters. Below are ways we can prepare for and withstand fire and earthquake emergencies in places where children reside.

FIRE
Prepare Your House:
• Windows and doors with security bars or locks should include quick release devices that everyone should know how to use.
• If you live in an apartment, follow the evacuation plan they’ve made.
• If you live in a multi-level house, make sure there’s a safe way to reach ground.

Practice:
• Draw a detailed map indicating at least two ways out of every room.
• Agree on location outside of the home where everyone will meet after a fire.
• Practice your escape plan at least twice a year.

EARTHQUAKE
Prepare Your House:
• Move heavy objects to lower shelves
• Fasten bookcases and tall cabinets to the wall
• Do not position beds and cribs under windows
• Know how to turn off the gas and electrical master switch. (Keep a gas-shut off wrench in an easily accessible place.)

Practice:
• Teach children to duck and cover under secure pieces of sturdy furniture for protection during an earthquake.
• Duck under sturdy furniture, hold onto the table or desk leg, if possible, and have duck and cover drills at least twice a year.

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