Families and emergencies

How prepared are your children to cope with an emergency? All parents hope their children will never get caught up in the turbulence and fear of such an event, but chances are, they will.

It may not be a national disaster such as a major earthquake or flood. It could be a road accident, either as a casualty or as an observer. It may even be as simple as a toddler getting separated from her parents in a shopping mall. It is also worth noting that 10-14 year old cyclists are the most likely age group to be hospitalised as a result of a cycling accident.

Everyone acts differently. Some of us panic; others remain calm. Some display leadership; others need a leader. It is the same with children. As with adults, they react with fear, anxiety and stress. Because of their limited experience they find it easy to panic. They will look to adults for guidance and support. It is critical therefore that in an emergency adults model calm behaviour to the children.

As a parent there are a number of simple things that you can do to better prepare your children to cope with the emergency. Make sure, for example, that they know your contact details. Also, teach them to seek help from nearby adults, even strangers.

Have the occasional conversation about what to do if the emergency prevents the family from getting together for a few days, as could occur with an earthquake or flood. When such events are being reported on the news, discuss as a family how you would cope with them.

Emergencies and disasters can occur at any time and place - home, school, on the bus or at the movies. So make sure you have a home emergency plan and check out arrangements at your children's school or early childhood centre.
 

Your family emergency plan

Have a Family Emergency Plan and keep a copy in the Family Emergency Kit and in your children's school bags. The most important part of the plan is communication information - family contact numbers, places of work, schools.

It should include every family member and where they will be located during the day. Other information that may need to be included are important medical information and the name and contact details of the family doctor. Include an out-of-town contact name and details (include email address).

Decide how you will get in contact with each other and write it down.

Other things that you should at least discuss include:

  • home evacuation routes and assembly points
  • shutting off gas and electricity
  • where insurance and other vital records are kept
  • special needs - family members who are visually, hearing or mobility impaired
  • care of pets
  • safety skills - first aid, CPR, use of fire extinguishers.

Make a note of the decisions you make and include them in the plan.

Revisit the plan on a regular basis every six to twelve months - and keep it up to date.
 

Your family disaster kit

You can buy one of these from Survive It or make it yourself.

It is more fun, and useful training for your children, to design and prepare your own. Just sit down with the rest of the family and a pen and paper and work out what you think your family needs to have in store to survive a disaster if you are confined to your own home.

Make it more relevant for the children by including some personal things that they want to include such as a soft toy or a favourite story book.

Apart from the contents of the kit, you need to consider where you are going to store it - somewhere dry and accessible.
 

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