Overview
Young people are capable of learning and putting to use important information that can keep them safe in emergencies. It's important to:
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Include kids in emergency planning.
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Help kids gather emergency supplies.
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Teach kids about 911.
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Take action to keep kids safe.
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Comfort kids after the unexpected happens.
- Your emergency contacts and how to call them
- Who is authorized to pick them up from school/daycare in the event of an emergency
- Where you can go in the event of an emergency.
- How you'll keep your pets safe
Keep your plans simple so you can remember them during a high-stress situation.
We know not every family looks the same. Find an emergency contact card that works for you:
What Will They Ask?
When you call 911, a person called an operator answers. They'll need to know a few things, like:
Where You Are
If you are at home, tell them your address. If you are somewhere else, give as many details as you know. This can include:
🏠 Address
🚦 Street names
⛪ What you see nearby
🛣️ Road signs
Your Phone Number
You'll be asked for your phone number in case 911 needs to call you back.
What's Happening?
Why did you call 911? You'll be asked to give as many details as you can.
Take Action to Keep Kids Safe
Fire & Burns
🔒 Keep matches and lighters up high and out of reach, preferably in a locked cabinet.
👀 Supervise kids: Keep them at least 3 feet from ovens, grills, space heaters, microwaves — anything that can burn.
🏡 Make sure babysitters know how to safely escape your home in the event of a fire.
👂 Teach kids what smoke alarms sound like and what to do if they hear one.
🛌 Consider getting and teaching kids how to use escape ladders for sleeping areas on the second or third floor. Store near the windows.
Travel
🚫 Never leave kids inside a parked car.
👀 Teach kids to always look for cars before crossing the road.
🚍 Teach kids never to cross the street behind a school bus.
➡️ Have kids wait for the bus at a safe difference back away from the curb.
💺 Choose the right car or booster seat for your child.
Water Safety
👩👦 Never leave kids alone near the water.
👁️ Have an adult supervise kids while swimming.
🏊♂️ Make sure all family members learn how to swim.
⏰ If a child is missing, check the water first. Seconds count!
🛟 Always wear safety vests when boating.
- Encourage children to talk about their fears. Let them ask questions and tell you how they’re feeling. Listen to what they say as a family, when possible.
- Reassure them with love. Remind them that they are safe, and answer their questions honestly.
- Tell them, in simple language, what is happening. Tell them that they are not responsible for what happened. Limit the amount of news they hear on the radio or see on the TV.
- Hold and hug them often.
- Encourage them to also talk with teachers or school counselors.
- Encourage them to do the things they love: Play games, ride bikes, and all of the other things they did before the disaster.
