Get your Family Involved in Disaster Preparedness
Housefires, earthquakes, tornados, hurricanes, and the threat of
terrorist attacks are all, unfortunately, common events. When
disaster hits, will your family be able to deal with an
emergency? Proactively preparing for possible disasters is one
of the most important things you can do for the well-being of
your family.
Most parents want to shelter their children from these fears by
not talking about potential disasters for fear of upsetting
their loved ones. This is a natural desire, but openly and
calmly teaching your child about disaster preparation is the
best approach in the long run, and can instill a sense of
confidence and security in your child. Here are some ways to
help your child learn to be prepared.
Find out your home and local area's particular dangers: Is your
area prone to certain natural disasters? Talk with your kids
about what sort might strike in your area and explain them.
Again, the aim is not to alarm or frighten your children. Calmly
reassure them that they are safe, and that it's important they
learn what to do just in case.
Create a family emergency plan: After you have talked about the
possible hazards in your home and area, draw up a detailed
emergency plan. If an emergency occurs while your child is at
school and you are at work, where will you meet? Agree on an
emergency contact person, like
a neighbor, nearby relative, or
friend. Write down emergency contact information and have your
children carry it with them at all times.
Put together an emergency kit with your child: The kit should
include fresh water supplies, non-perishable food, batteries,
flashlights, emergency contact information, and an emergency
first-aid kit. Make a checklist of everything you should have in
your kit and take your kids shopping for them to get them even
more involved.
Select a place in your house where you can keep your emergency
supplies. This should be a cool, dry location, out of the way,
but within reach of your children.
Rehearse your family emergency plan: Even though putting a
family emergency plan into place is important, without practice,
children may forget what to do if disaster really does strike.
Every six months or so, take a couple of hours to practice your
family emergency plan. Using at least two agreed on evacuation
routes, practice exiting the house. Stress the importance of
getting out of the house quickly and safely.
About the author:
Carlo Morelli writes for OnlineTips.Org, where you can read tips
on home
security alarm monitors, ceramic tile floor
and other home/garden topics.
Written by: Carlo Morelli
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