Include your children in planning for an emergency. Teach them how to get help and what to do in different situations. Practice your family emergency plan with your children and quiz them about preparedness information.
EVERY CHILD SHOULD KNOW:
- Family contact information for use in an emergency.
- Never touch wires lying on the ground or hanging from poles.
- How to identify the smell of gas. Tell them that if they smell it, they should tell a grown-up or leave the building.
- How and when to call 911.
INFORMATION TO KNOW ABOUT YOUR CHILD'S SCHOOL OR DAY CARE FACILITY:
- Find out what your child's school does in the event of an emergency and know the school's emergency plans.
- Find out where can you pick up your child during an evacuation.
- Ensure that the school has up-to-date contact information for you and at least one other relative or friend.
- Find out if you can authorize a friend or relative to pick up your children in an emergency if you cannot.
GO BAG:
- Pack child care supplies as well as games and small toys in your family's Go Bag.
REASSURANCE:
- Children are particularly vulnerable to emotional stress after a disaster and may exhibit excessive fear of the dark, crying, fear of being alone and constant worry. Reassure children that they are safe. Encourage them to talk about their fears, emphasize that they are not responsible for what happened, and comfort them.
You also can consult FEMA for hazard maps for your area. Go to www.fema.gov select maps, and follow the directions. For more information on developing emergency preparedness plans for schools, please log on to the U.S. Department of Education at www.ed.gov/emergencyplan.
Practicing and Maintaining Your Plan.
For more information:
Food and Water in an emergency. Go on line to: www.fema.gov/pdf/library/f&web.pdf.
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