Children

Children:

Publications

Preparedness Coloring Book (PDF)
Helping Children Cope With Disasters (PDF)

Web Sites

FEMA for Kids
USGS Earthquakes for Kids
National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (If your child is missing or becomes seperated from you during a disaster)

Children can be especially sensitive to the emotional stress of an emergency. Parents can help prepare children by including them in the planning process and answering their questions about safety. Make sure your children take part in your preparation process and ensure that you have included supplies that make them feel comfortable and safe.

Remember:

School or Day Care

Know your child's school or day care emergency plan.
Find out where children will be taken in the event of an evacuation during school hours.
Keep your contact information up-to-date at your child's school
Authorize a friend or relative to pick up your children in an emergency and let the school know who that designated person is.
Put your child's emergency plan card on file at his or her school.

Teach Your Children...

Their basic contact information.
How to dial your home telephone number and important cell phone numbers.
How and when to dial 911. Role play 911 calls with them.
How to reach an "out-of-area" family contact.
What to do if a parent becomes ill and the child is home alone.
What natural gas smells like and what they should do if they smell it.
Basic emergency response plans, such as your family evacuation plan and Drop, Cover, and Hold On (PDF), and practice them together.

Additions to the Emergency Kit (PDF) and Go Bag