Nature can be a dangerous enemy. It would be best if you and your kids prepare for any natural disasters that may strike your home.
Natural disasters come in many different forms, like heavy rains, storms, landslides, floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, and earthquakes. And these natural disasters can happen nearly anywhere at any time and no one can stop these calamities from happening, but parents can do something to keep their families safe.
Prepare your families and your kids from these kinds of disasters. Make themselves reliable when natural disasters occur. Don't try to keep your kids away from news like this. Instead, prepare them and teach them what they should do.
Preparing Your Kids for Natural Disasters
Teach kids the facts
Your child has a comprehensive understanding, and they should be aware that hurricanes and other natural disasters can cause significant damage, injuries and sometimes takes away lives. However, your kids may not fully understand what occurs during these events and what causes them.
For them to be prepare, make them know the facts of these disasters, what creates them and how to be safe from them.
Teach them how to use and the proper way to use 911
- Explain to your kids what 911 is for- kids must be taught how to use it properly and when to use 911. Tell them to call the service whenever there is a disaster coming, especially when someone needs help.
- Tell them when it is safe to call 911 - when the disaster is flooding, educate your kids to look for higher places first before calling 911. Teach them to keep themselves safe at all times.
- Teach them what to say in calling 911 - teach them that when calling 911, they need to explain the situation. The location, number of the caller, and of course, the name of the caller are first to be asked. Also, tell your kids while giving details to the 911 operators; they must be loud and clear.
Comfort your kids
Commonly during this kind of disaster, kids tend to get scared. As a parent, you must not sound dismissive. Instead, tell your kids that it's okay to be scared because you feel it too. Be honest to your kids; tell them what may happen so that they can prepare with you. Also, tell your kids that natural disasters are controllable, and it happens sometimes.
Prepare a family emergency plan
In a meeting with your family, including your kids, teach them in detail what's inside your emergency plan. Prepare the following in your emergency plan:
- Ready your emergency kits inside your home, cars, and schools.
- Prepare your documents by putting them inside plastic envelopes or giving them to your trusted keepers like friends or relatives.
- Ready emergency numbers, including the numbers of your close relatives or friends that your kids can contact during a disaster.
- Always remind them of your meeting place when disasters come in.
- See to it that your family and kids can always read and see your emergency plan. Please place them in prominent places inside your house.
