Five Easy Ways to Get Emergency-Ready
Consider five ways to prepare for the unexpected.
A few simple things can get you more prepared for an emergency. You don’t have to do everything at once! Start small with some of these ideas:
- Learn whole names. Help children practice saying their own and family members’ whole names. Knowing these names can help family members find each other if they are separated in an emergency.
- Practice addresses and phone numbers. Knowing these will allow a trusted adult to help contact you.
- Point out special helpers in your neighborhood so children know which adults they can trust to help in an emergency. You can play “I Spy” to help children learn where to spot important helpers such as doctors, police officers, firefighters, and teachers.
- Make an emergency plan to collect important information in one place. Write down your plan and post it where everyone can see. Keep copies of your plan in the car, in children’s backpacks, at work, with childcare providers, and with an out-of-town emergency contact.
- Make an emergency kit. Start with things that you already have (extra water bottles, canned food, an extra change of clothes), and then build from there. Add an item or two to your shopping list each week until your kit is done.
You can print the emergency kit checklist here
Self-Care: During & After a Crisis
When we care for ourselves, we’re better able comfort and protect children.
Offering Comfort in Scary Times
Ways to comfort children through scary times.
A Hurricane Comes to Sesame Street
Just like Big Bird’s friends help him rebuild his nest after a hurricane, you can help rebuild your child’s sense of safety and security.
Here For Each Other
You can use children’s questions as a springboard for conversation and comfort.
Support After a Hurricane
In the most challenging times, there's still a lot you can do to comfort and protect children.
Furry Fuzzy Hugs
In the face of anxiety or chaos, hugs offer a sense of security and safety.
Handling Emergencies with Andrew Roszak
An interview with Andrew Roszak from Child Care Aware.
