How to Be Prepared for Any Kind of Emergency

Empowering Kids: A Guide to Emergency Preparedness for Families

Emergencies, by their very nature, are unpredictable events that can disrupt daily life and create feelings of uncertainty. While these situations can be unsettling for everyone, children are particularly vulnerable. Their reliance on adults for safety and guidance means that being prepared can make a significant difference in how they cope with and navigate challenging circumstances ¹. Equipping children with the knowledge and skills to respond appropriately during an emergency can not only enhance their safety but also empower them and reduce their anxiety in the face of the unexpected.

Involving children in emergency preparedness, in ways that are suitable for their age and understanding, can transform them from passive bystanders to active participants in ensuring their own well-being and the safety of their families ¹. This active involvement fosters a sense of responsibility and competence, helping them feel more in control during stressful situations. Furthermore, preparedness extends beyond acquiring practical skills; it plays a vital role in building emotional resilience in children ¹. By learning how to respond to emergencies, children develop coping mechanisms and a belief in their ability to handle challenging situations, contributing to their long-term resilience. This guide aims to provide parents and caregivers with practical, easy-to-understand advice on how to prepare their children for various types of emergencies, fostering a sense of security and resilience within the family.

Children's reactions to disasters and emergencies can manifest in various ways, often influenced by their age, personality, and the specific nature of the event ¹. Younger children might exhibit behaviors such as bedwetting, difficulty sleeping, or increased clinginess, while older children could display anger, have trouble concentrating, or seek more alone time. Teenagers might engage in risky behaviors or become fearful of leaving home ². It is important for parents and caregivers to recognize these diverse emotional and behavioral responses and to approach them with empathy and understanding. Knowing that a child's behavior might change after an emergency helps adults avoid misinterpreting these changes and instead offer appropriate support.

Understanding what specifically frightens children during emergencies is also crucial for effective preparation and support. Often, their biggest fears center around the possibility of the disaster happening again, the safety and well-being of their loved ones, and the fear of being left alone ¹. Addressing these core fears directly through preparedness measures and consistent reassurance is paramount. For instance, by emphasizing family unity within the emergency plan and practicing communication strategies, parents can directly alleviate these primary anxieties.

Children are remarkably perceptive to the emotions and reactions of the adults around them ¹. When parents and caregivers respond to a disaster or emergency situation calmly and confidently, they often serve as the best source of support for their children ². Conversely, if adults display alarm or panic, it can amplify a child's fear, as they may interpret the adult's reaction as confirmation of the danger's severity ¹. Therefore, it is essential for parents to manage their own anxiety to effectively support their children. Developing their own preparedness plan and practicing self-calming techniques can enable parents to remain a source of strength and reassurance for their children during an emergency.

Creating a family emergency plan is a fundamental step in ensuring everyone knows what to do before, during, and after an emergency ². A well-thought-out plan provides a sense of direction and reduces chaos, promoting coordinated action among family members. Having pre-determined roles and procedures ensures that everyone understands their responsibilities, minimizing confusion and maximizing safety.

An important part of developing a family emergency plan involves discussing potential hazards that are most likely to occur in your specific area ². For families in Alameda County, this might include discussions about earthquakes, wildfires, severe storms, floods, and power outages ¹¹. These conversations should be tailored to the child's age and understanding, providing age-appropriate education that helps them grasp the importance of preparedness measures without causing undue alarm. Explaining the risks in simple terms helps children understand the "why" behind the emergency plan.

The family emergency plan should also include the designation of two specific meeting places ². One location should be right outside the home, in case of a sudden emergency like a fire. The second meeting place should be outside the neighborhood, in the event that it is not safe to return home. Clearly defined meeting places are essential for ensuring family reunification if members are separated during an emergency. Having both a near and far meeting point accounts for different emergency scenarios and increases the chances of family members finding each other.

Identifying an out-of-area contact person is another crucial element of a comprehensive family emergency plan ⁴. This individual should live outside your immediate area and can serve as a central point of contact if local communication lines are down or overloaded. In such situations, long-distance calls or text messages might be more reliable than local communication, allowing the out-of-area contact to relay important information between family members.

It is vital to actively involve children in the process of creating the family emergency plan ¹. Encourage them to share their ideas and concerns, making them feel heard and valued. This participation increases their understanding of the plan and their willingness to follow it during an emergency. When children feel their opinions matter and understand the reasoning behind the plan, they are more likely to remember and adhere to it.

Finally, as part of the planning process, help children create a small emergency contact card ¹. This card should include essential information such as their name, address, phone number, family contact information, and the designated meeting places. For younger children who may not be able to memorize this information, the card can be attached to their clothing or placed in a pocket. Having this readily available information can be crucial if a child gets separated from their family during an emergency, allowing first responders or helpful individuals to quickly provide assistance.

Building a kid-friendly emergency supplies kit, often referred to as a "Go Bag," is another essential step in preparing children for emergencies ². Explain to children that this bag contains important items they might need if they have to leave their home quickly during an emergency. Having a pre-packed bag saves valuable time and ensures that essential supplies are readily accessible during a chaotic situation when there might not be an opportunity to shop or search for needed items ².

Involve children in the process of packing the "Go Bag" ². Let them help choose some of the items to include, especially comfort items. This makes them feel more connected to the preparedness process and fosters a sense of ownership over the kit's contents, which can increase their willingness to use and maintain it.

Here is a checklist of essential items to consider including in a kid-friendly emergency supplies kit:

Category	Specific Item	Quantity/Details
Water	Small water bottles or pouches	3-day supply (one gallon per person per day), easy for kids to carry 2
Food	Non-perishable snacks (granola bars, fruit snacks, crackers)	3-day supply, easy-open packaging, include favorites 2
First Aid	Children's bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain reliever (age-appropriate)	Basic supplies, consider a small, kid-friendly first aid kit 2
Light & Communication	Small flashlight, extra batteries, whistle	Easy to use for children 2
Sanitation	Moist towelettes, small trash bags, tissues	For personal hygiene 2
Comfort	Favorite stuffed animal or small toy, books, coloring books and crayons, small games	Items to provide comfort and distraction 2
Clothing & Personal Items	Change of clothes, small blanket, emergency contact card	Consider weather-appropriate clothing 2
Other	Manual can opener (if including canned food), copies of important family documents in a waterproof bag	Practical necessities 2

It is important to regularly check the "Go Bag" to ensure that food and medications are not expired and that batteries for the flashlight and radio are fresh ². Remind children to help with this task, perhaps by marking dates on a calendar to review and update the kit. Regular maintenance ensures the kit is ready and effective when needed.

Practicing emergency procedures through regular drills is vital for helping everyone in the family know how to respond automatically in an emergency ¹. This familiarity can significantly reduce panic and increase the likelihood of a safe outcome. When emergency responses are practiced, they become more instinctive, allowing individuals to react quickly and effectively without having to think through every step.

To keep children interested and motivated in practicing emergency procedures, it is helpful to turn practice sessions into games or engaging activities ¹. For instance, during a severe weather drill, you could make it a game to see how quickly everyone can get to the designated safe place, perhaps even allowing them to bring a pillow, blanket, or a favorite toy ³¹. Simple experiments, like creating a "tornado" in a bottle, can also be a fun way to teach about severe weather while distracting from potential fears ⁶.

Conduct drills for various emergencies that are relevant to your area ⁶. This might include fire escape drills, where everyone practices knowing two ways out of each room and meeting at the designated spot outside ³². For earthquake preparedness, practice the "Drop, Cover, and Hold On" technique, emphasizing getting under a sturdy desk or table or against an inside wall ²⁸. Severe weather drills can focus on identifying the safest place in the home, such as a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor away from windows ⁶. Practicing specific responses for different emergencies ensures preparedness for a range of potential situations.

To further simulate real-life scenarios, practice these drills at different times of the day and night ³². An emergency can happen at any time, and practicing under various conditions helps identify potential challenges and reinforces preparedness regardless of the time. For example, a fire escape drill should be practiced both when everyone is awake and when they are pretending to be asleep to simulate a nighttime emergency.

After each drill, take the time to discuss what went well and what could be improved ². Involve children in this feedback process, encouraging them to share their observations and suggestions. This continuous improvement ensures that the family emergency plan remains relevant and effective and that everyone feels comfortable and confident in their roles.

Equipping children with essential emergency knowledge is crucial for their safety and well-being. This includes teaching them basic personal information, such as their full name, address, and phone number ¹. For younger children who may have difficulty memorizing this, ensure they have this information readily available, perhaps on their emergency contact card ¹.

It is also vital to instruct children on how and when to call for help by dialing 911 (or the local emergency number) ¹. Teach them what kind of information they will need to provide to the dispatcher, such as their name, address, phone number, what the emergency is, and if there is an adult present ⁴¹. Knowing how to call for help can be life-saving in critical situations, empowering them to seek assistance when needed.

Hazard recognition is another important aspect of emergency preparedness for children. Teach them to identify potential dangers such as downed power lines and emphasize that they should never touch them ¹. They should also learn to recognize the smell of gas and know to tell a grown-up immediately or leave the building if they smell it ¹. Additionally, children should understand the sound of smoke alarms and know exactly what to do when they hear one ⁴⁰.

Reinforce the designated meeting places that were established in the family emergency plan ². Emphasize the importance of going to the meeting place immediately and staying there until a trusted adult arrives. Clear meeting place procedures facilitate family reunification in case of separation. Ensuring children know where to go and to remain there increases the likelihood of them being found safely.

Finally, teach children the "Stop, Drop, and Roll" technique ⁴⁰. Explain that if their clothes ever catch fire, they should immediately stop what they are doing, drop to the ground, and roll over and over to smother the flames. Knowing and practicing this simple action can significantly reduce burn injuries.

Preparing for specific types of emergencies requires tailored knowledge and actions.

Fire Safety: Ensure your home has working smoke alarms on every level, inside bedrooms, and outside sleeping areas ⁴⁰. Teach children what the smoke alarm sounds like and what to do when they hear it. Emphasize knowing two ways out of every room and having a designated family meeting place outside ³². Practice your fire escape plan at least twice a year, at different times of the day and night ³². Instruct children never to play with matches or lighters and to keep them out of reach ⁴⁰. Explain that if there is smoke, they should stay low to the ground to avoid inhaling harmful fumes ⁴⁰. Reinforce the "get out, stay out" rule – once they are safely outside, they should never go back inside a burning building ⁴⁰. Ensure they know how to call 911 from a safe location ⁴⁰. Consider utilizing kid-friendly resources like Pedro's Fire Challenge, an interactive game created by the Red Cross for younger children ⁴⁰, and the Preparedness Champion program, which teaches older kids about home fire safety ⁴⁵.

Earthquake Safety: Teach children the "Drop, Cover, and Hold On" technique: if indoors, they should drop to the ground, take cover under a sturdy desk or table, and hold on ²⁸. If there is no furniture nearby, they should sit down against an inside wall away from windows and protect their head and neck with their arms ²⁸. Emphasize staying indoors until the shaking stops and it is safe to go outside ²⁸. If they are outside during an earthquake, they should move to an open area away from buildings, trees, and power lines, then drop to the ground and stay there until the shaking stops ²⁸. If they are in a car, they should stay there with their seatbelt fastened until the shaking stops ²⁸. Make sure they understand that there might be aftershocks, which are smaller earthquakes that can occur after the main one ³⁰. A kid-friendly way to explain the sensation of an earthquake is to compare it to the ground moving like a boat in waves ³⁴.

Severe Weather Safety: Help children understand the difference between a severe thunderstorm watch (meaning conditions are favorable for severe weather) and a warning (meaning severe weather is occurring or imminent) ³². During a thunderstorm, they should go inside a sturdy building or a car and avoid contact with water and electronic appliances ³². If they are outside and cannot get inside, they should crouch down in a low, open space away from tall or metal objects ³¹. During a tornado warning, the safest place is the lowest level of a building, in an interior room with no windows, such as a basement, closet, or bathroom ⁶. They should protect their head and cover themselves with a pillow or blanket and stay away from windows ³¹. Teach them the saying, "When thunder roars, go indoors" ³¹. During a flood, they should never walk, swim, or drive through floodwaters; the saying to remember is, "Turn around, don't drown" ³². If there is a winter storm, the best way to stay safe is to stay inside and wear many layers of clothing if they need to go out ³². To make severe weather drills more engaging, try making a game out of getting to the safe place quickly ³¹.

Other Potential Local Emergencies (e.g., floods, power outages in Alameda County): For floods, discuss evacuation routes if you live in a flood-prone area and know where the nearest higher ground is ⁸. Emphasize that children should never play near floodwaters or storm drains ³². For power outages, ensure children know where flashlights and extra batteries are kept ². Teach them not to open refrigerators and freezers unnecessarily to conserve the cold ⁸. Stress that candles should only be used by adults and never left unattended ³⁸.

Emergency Type	Key Safety Actions for Kids
Fire	Stop, Drop, and Roll if clothes catch fire; Get low if there's smoke; Know two ways out of every room; Meet at the designated safe place outside; Never go back inside; Know how to call 911.
Earthquake	Drop to the ground; Cover head and neck under a sturdy table or desk or against an inside wall; Hold on until shaking stops; If outside, move to an open area away from buildings and power lines.
Severe Thunderstorm	Go indoors to a sturdy building or car; Stay away from water and electronics; If outside and can't get in, crouch low in an open space.
Tornado	Go to the lowest level, interior room with no windows (basement, closet, bathroom); Protect head and cover with a blanket; Stay away from windows.
Flood	Never walk, swim, or drive through floodwaters; "Turn around, don't drown"; Know evacuation routes if in a flood-prone area.
Power Outage	Know where flashlights are; Don't open the refrigerator or freezer too much; Never use candles without an adult.

Schools and daycares play an important role in emergency preparedness for children. Parents should make sure they are familiar with their children's school or daycare emergency plans ¹. This includes understanding the procedures for evacuation, shelter-in-place, and how parents will be reunified with their children after an emergency. This coordination between home and school preparedness efforts is essential for enhancing children's safety.

It is crucial to ensure that the school has up-to-date contact information for parents and any other authorized emergency contacts ¹. Parents should also find out who is authorized to pick up their child in an emergency, especially if they might not be able to do so themselves ¹. Accurate contact information is vital for effective communication and ensuring children are released to the correct individuals.

Understand if your child's school or daycare has procedures for sheltering-in-place, which might be necessary in certain emergencies ⁸. Be aware that during a shelter-in-place situation, you might not be permitted to go to the school to pick up your children, as the doors will likely be locked to keep everyone safe ⁸. Knowing the school's shelter-in-place plan helps parents understand potential limitations on access to their children during an emergency.

To reinforce what children learn at school, discuss the school's emergency plans with them at home ⁷. This consistency between home and school messaging strengthens their understanding and preparedness.

During an emergency, one of the most important things a parent or caregiver can do is to remain as calm as possible ¹. Your reaction will significantly influence your child's response. Reassure them that you are there to keep them safe ¹. A calm adult presence provides a crucial sense of security for children during a stressful time.

Encourage children to talk about their fears and concerns ¹. Listen attentively and validate their feelings. Open communication helps children process their experiences and emotions in a healthy way.

Provide honest information about what is happening, using simple terms that children can understand ¹. Avoid unnecessary details that might increase their anxiety. Clear and honest communication builds trust and understanding.

As much as possible, try to stick to normal routines after an emergency ¹. This can provide a sense of stability and normalcy during a time of disruption. Familiar routines offer comfort and predictability, helping children regain a sense of control and security.

Protect children from excessive exposure to news coverage of the emergency ². Graphic or repetitive media coverage can be overwhelming and frightening for children. Filtering the information they receive can help protect their emotional well-being.

Finally, offer extra comfort and affection ¹. Spend quality time together, offer extra hugs, and reassure them of your love and support. Physical and emotional closeness provides comfort and security during and after an emergency.

Preparing children for emergencies is a vital ongoing process. By creating a family emergency plan, building a kid-friendly emergency kit, practicing emergency procedures, and providing essential emergency knowledge, parents and caregivers can empower their children, reduce their fear, and build their resilience. Remember that this is not a one-time task but an ongoing effort that requires regular review and practice. Your calm and reassuring presence, coupled with proactive preparation, plays a crucial role in helping children become prepared and resilient in the face of any emergency.