Children

Disaster may strike quickly and without warning. These events can be frightening for adults, but they are traumatic for children if they don’t know what to do.

During a disaster, your family may have to leave your home and daily routine. Children may become anxious, confused or frightened. As an adult, you’ll need to cope with the disaster in a way that will help children avoid developing a permanent sense of loss. It is important to give children guidance that will help them reduce their fears.

Preparing for emergencies shouldn’t fall on parents shoulders alone. Young children and teens alike need to be part of the process — for their own safety and sense of empowerment.

• Work together to build an emergency kit.

• Sit down as a family to talk about your communications plan.

• Role-play what you would do during a disaster.

• Hold fire drills in your house.