Prepare

Help Your Child

Keep your family safe later by preparing them now.

Preparing Children

It is important to plan for a disaster when taking care of children. Providing security and guidance is necessary to support your family through hazards and disasters. Informing children of family emergency plans is important for their safety and protection. By taking the time to prepare children for natural disasters, parents and caregivers can ensure their safety and help them feel more empowered during times of crisis

What Parents Should Do

Include children in preparedness conversations.
Learn the building blocks of preparedness – Be informed, make a plan, and build a kit.
Know the emergency plan for your child’s school and child care facility.
Make sure children have emergency contacts memorized or written down someplace.
Learn different ways to help children cope during and after an emergency.
Practice evacuation plans and other emergency procedures with children on a regular basis.
Teach kids when and how to call important phone numbers like 911.

What Your Child Can Do

Know how to dial 911 during an emergency for help.
Keep emergency phone numbers and addresses for family members with them in backpacks, wallets, school notebooks, and in cell phones.
Include games, books, and toys in their emergency kit to help them keep calm and stay comfortable.
Practice emergency drills at home and at school.
Know their address and where their emergency meeting spot is.