Being prepared for a disaster starts at home. All family members, including children, have a part to play in preparing your family for a disaster. A good place to start is with a communication plan. Your family may not all be in the same place when disaster strikes. Talking with your family about how you will get in touch with each other is not only a way to prepare your family, but this action can also help everyone feel safer. Ready.gov has communication forms to guide your conversation.
Pick an out-of-state family contact person who family members can “check-in” with if you are separated during an emergency. Post emergency contact numbers where everyone can find them. Create a card or list for each family member to have with them.
Explain to children that there are many people who can help them during a disaster so that they will not be afraid of firefighters, police officers, paramedics, or other emergency officials.
Teach children:
• How to call for help
• When to use emergency numbers
• To call the family contact if they are separated
• Teach your child how to recognize danger signals. Make sure your child knows what smoke detectors, fire alarms, and local community warning systems sound like and what to do when they hear them.
FAMILY DISASTER KIT
Every family should have disaster supplies in their home. Needed supplies include food, water, flashlights, and other items that you might need in an emergency. In an earthquake, you could be without electricity for a week or more, or the water supply may be polluted. There also may be times that you and your family might need to “shelter in place”—that is, not leave your house for a few days.
KIDS “GET READY KIT”
Have children assemble a Special “Get Ready Kit” for themselves. Explain to them that you might need to leave your house during a disaster and sleep somewhere else for a while.
Here are some items your children could put into a backpack so it will be ready if needed:
• A few favorite books, crayons, and paper
• Two favorite small toys, like a doll or action figure
• A board game
• A deck of cards
• A puzzle
• A favorite stuffed animal, blanket or pillow
• Picture of family and pets
• A box with special treasures that will help the child feel safe
A disaster or crisis can happen at any time. Talking and planning with your family will give you peace of mind knowing your loved ones are safer for it.
County of Monterey Health Department
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