Emergency Situations

Words: 615
Pages: 3

While it may be tough to think about your child facing an emergency situation, you'll want them to be prepared in case something unexpected happens. While it can be tough to imagine a child dealing with an emergency situation alone, every day there are examples of kids who show themselves to be clear thinkers during emergencies.

Explaining an Emergency Situation and the Need for 911
It can be hard for young children to understand the difference between a problem and a situation that requires a call to emergency services like 911, the police or the fire department. As a parent, you might want to believe you'll be there to handle emergency situations, but you should still prepare your child to know how to use 911 for emergencies.

First, you'll
…show more content…
Preparing for Natural Disasters
Whether its a natural disaster like an earthquake, tornado or hurricane, there are times where calling 911 isn't an option or doesn't fit with the situation. Kids need to know what to do during a natural disaster too. In your area, you might be more prone to one disaster or another. You should never tell children not to be afraid and never dismiss their feelings of fear. Let the child know it's okay to be scared and be honest about the situation.

It helps when you have a disaster relief plan in your family. Make sure the kids know what to do during an emergency situation. If there's a tornado warning, they need to know where to run to so they'll be protected. If there's a fire, they need to leave the house. Have a evacuation plan and meeting spot right outside the home.

In some cases, you might have a disaster plan that includes hunkering down for safety. There'll be emergency food rations as well as enough water to supply the family for a few days. Children need to understand why they'll need the food and water in emergency