How to Be Prepared for Any Kind of Emergency (for Kids)

Be Prepared, Not Scared: Emergency Tips for Kids

Emergencies can happen anytime, like a fire, an earthquake, or getting lost in a crowd. They might sound scary, but knowing what to do will help you stay safe. In fact, when kids know what to do, they’re less likely to panic in a stressful situation (Child Safety & Emergency Preparedness | Mercury Insurance). This guide will teach you simple steps for different emergencies and how to make a family emergency kit. Remember, being prepared helps you feel brave and ready!

Fire Emergency: What to Do if There’s a Fire

(File:Firefighters educate local elementary school students on fire safety 151022-M-RH401-020.jpg - Wikimedia Commons)A firefighter in full gear teaches children about fire safety. He shows that in a fire emergency, firefighters might look scary with their masks, but they are there to help. Fire can spread quickly, so you need to act fast. One of the most important rules is: Don’t hide, go outside as fast as you safely can if there’s a fire (Child Safety & Emergency Preparedness | Mercury Insurance). Stay calm and follow these steps if you see fire or smell smoke:

• Stop, Drop, and Roll: If your clothes catch on fire, stop moving, drop to the ground, and roll around to put out the flames (Child Safety & Emergency Preparedness | Mercury Insurance). Cover your face with your hands to protect it. Keep rolling until the fire is out.
• Get Out Quickly (Don’t Hide): If there is a fire in your house, leave right away. Do not hide under beds or in closets, even if you’re scared (Child Safety & Emergency Preparedness | Mercury Insurance). Smoke rises, so crawl low under smoke on your hands and knees to escape. Follow your family’s escape plan to get outside to your safe meeting spot.
• Check Doors for Heat: Before you open a closed door, touch it with the back of your hand (Child Safety & Emergency Preparedness | Mercury Insurance). If the door is hot, do not open it – there might be fire on the other side. Find another way out, like a window or another door. If it’s cool, you can open it slowly.
• Stay Out & Get Help: Once you’re outside, stay out. Don’t go back in for toys or pets. Yell for help or call 9-1-1 (or your emergency number) from a neighbor’s phone. Firefighters will come to help.

Earthquake Safety: What to Do in an Earthquake

(Students Conduct Earthquake Preparedness Drill | U.S. Geological Survey)Students practice an earthquake drill in class by taking cover under their desks. An earthquake can start suddenly with a rumble and shaking. If the ground starts to shake, remember the rule “Drop, Cover, and Hold On!” (How Families Can Prepare for Emergencies | American Red Cross) This means you should immediately get low and protect yourself. Here’s what to do during an earthquake:

• Drop, Cover, and Hold On (Indoors): If you’re inside, drop to the ground so you don’t fall over (Earthquake Safety Tips | Save The Children). Take cover under something sturdy like a desk or table, and hold onto one of its legs to keep it over you (Earthquake Safety Tips | Save The Children). Protect your head and neck with one arm (Earthquake Safety Tips | Save The Children). Stay under cover until the shaking stops.
• Stay Away from Windows: Move away from windows, shelves, or anything that could fall on you. If you’re in bed, stay there and cover your head with a pillow.
• If You’re Outside: Find an open area away from buildings, trees, or power lines if you can (Earthquake Safety Tips | Save The Children). Drop to the ground and stay there until the shaking stops (Earthquake Safety Tips | Save The Children). Protect your head with your arms. Stay alert for things that might fall.
• After the Shaking: When the earthquake stops, be careful and look around. Things might be broken, so watch your step. If you’re at school, listen to your teacher and follow their instructions to exit safely. Be ready for aftershocks (small quakes that happen after the big one), and if they happen, do Drop, Cover, Hold On again.

If You Get Lost: How to Stay Safe

( What to Do If You Get Lost: A Guide for Children – Captain Crimebuster)A child realizes “I can’t find my Mom!” in a busy public event. Getting separated from your family in a store or crowd can feel scary. The good news is there are smart steps you can follow to get help. First, stay calm by taking deep breaths. Remember that your parents want to find you and helpers (like store employees or police officers) are looking out for you. Here are five steps every kid should know if they ever get lost ( What to Do If You Get Lost: A Guide for Children – Captain Crimebuster):

1. Stay Calm: Take a deep breath and don’t panic. Feeling scared is normal, but try to stay calm so you can remember what to do.
2. Go to a Safe Place: Look for a safe place nearby, like the front of the store, a help/information desk, or a checkout counter. In a park or zoo, you could go to the entrance gate. Staying in a public, open area makes it easier for your family to find you.
3. Find an Adult Who Can Help: If you see a security guard, police officer, or a store worker in uniform, tell them you are lost ( What to Do If You Get Lost: A Guide for Children – Captain Crimebuster). You can also ask a mother with kids to help you. Do not go with just any stranger, only approach someone who is clearly working there or a police officer.
4. Give Your Name and Info: Tell the helper your name and who you are looking for (like “I’m looking for my mom, she’s wearing a red shirt”) ( What to Do If You Get Lost: A Guide for Children – Captain Crimebuster). If you know your parent’s phone number, give it to them so they can call.
5. Stay Where You Are: After you’ve found an adult to help, stay in that safe spot. Do not wander off to look for your parents on your own – it’s easier for everyone if you stay in one place. Your parents or the police will search the area and come to you.

Tip: It also helps to memorize your home address and a parent’s phone number in case you get lost (Child Safety & Emergency Preparedness | Mercury Insurance). This way, you can share that information with the people helping you.

Make Your Own Emergency Kit

(File:FEMA - 40042 - Student smiles with her student "starter" emergency kit.jpg - Wikimedia Commons)A girl proudly holds her emergency kit bag given at school, filled with starter supplies. Making an emergency kit is like packing a special bag that has all the things your family might need if you have to stay somewhere safe or leave home quickly. Help your family build an emergency kit by collecting important items in one place (Emergency Kit Checklist for Kids). Make sure you have enough supplies to last everyone at least three days (Emergency Kit Checklist for Kids). Here are some things to include in your kit:

• Food and Water: Pack a 3-day supply of non-perishable food (foods that won’t spoil – like canned tuna, dried fruit, or peanut butter) and plenty of water (at least one gallon per person per day) (Emergency Kit Checklist for Kids) (Emergency Kit Checklist for Kids). Don’t forget a can opener if you have canned food! (Emergency Kit Checklist for Kids)
• First Aid Kit: Include a basic first aid kit with bandages, antiseptic wipes, and any medicines your family might need (Emergency Kit Checklist for Kids). This helps treat small cuts or injuries.
• Clothes and Blankets: Pack a change of clothes (including socks and sturdy shoes) for each person (Emergency Kit Checklist for Kids). Also include a sleeping bag or warm blanket to stay warm at night (Emergency Kit Checklist for Kids).
• Flashlight and Radio: Get a flashlight with extra batteries so you can see in the dark if the power goes out (Emergency Kit Checklist for Kids). A battery-powered or hand-crank radio is useful to hear news or instructions from authorities (Emergency Kit Checklist for Kids).
• Phone and Whistle: If you have an extra cell phone or battery pack, keep it in the kit, along with a list of emergency phone numbers (Emergency Kit Checklist for Kids). Also pack a whistle (Emergency Kit Checklist for Kids). You can blow a whistle to signal for help so others can find you.
• Special Items: Remember any pet supplies (like pet food) if you have a pet, and baby supplies (like diapers, baby food) if you have a baby sibling (Emergency Kit Checklist for Kids). Your kit should have what everyone in your family needs.
• Comfort & Fun: Emergencies can be boring or stressful, so include something to comfort you. Pack your favorite stuffed animal or blanket and maybe a couple of books, games, or puzzles to keep you busy (Emergency Kit Checklist for Kids). This can help you feel safe and calm.

Keep your emergency kit in a place where you can get to it easily (like a closet near the front door). Check it with your parents every so often to replace expired food or update items as needed. By helping to build the kit, you’ll know what’s in it and where it is if you ever need it!

General Safety Tips to Remember

• Know Important Info: Learn your home address and a parent’s phone number by heart (Child Safety & Emergency Preparedness | Mercury Insurance). In an emergency, you might need to tell a helper how to contact your family. Also, know how to dial 911 (or your country’s emergency number) for help (Child Safety & Emergency Preparedness | Mercury Insurance). Only call in a real emergency when you need police, firefighters, or an ambulance.
• Listen to Adults and Helpers: In any emergency, listen carefully to your parents, teachers, or the emergency responders (firefighters, police, etc.). They will guide you and keep you safe. Even big search dogs or firefighters in gear are friendly and there to help you. Don’t be afraid of them – they are working to protect you.
• Stay Calm and Stay Safe: It’s okay to feel scared, but try to stay calm and remember your safety steps. Take deep breaths and focus on what you learned. This will help you make smart choices and find safety faster.
• Practice and Drills: Just like fire drills at school, practice what to do at home with your family (Child Safety & Emergency Preparedness | Mercury Insurance). For example, you can pretend there’s a fire and everyone walks through the escape plan, or practice “Drop, Cover, Hold On” for an earthquake. The more you practice, the more prepared and confident you will be.

You’ve got this! Being prepared means you’re being a safety hero for yourself and others. By remembering these tips for fires, earthquakes, or getting lost, you can handle surprises without fear. Stay safe, and always remember that there are people around who will help you in an emergency.