Help get your child ready for the unexpected.
When planning for emergencies, you may have everything in place. You've got the kit, the escape route planned out, and your home is secured. However, you may be missing on important safety element: telling your children. It's extremely important to involve your children in the planning process and talk to them about emergency preparedness. Children can better cope with disasters if they know what to expect and feel like they can protect themselves and their family.
What you teach children will depend on their age, and their ability to understand what's going on. In general, they should be taught what to do, what to watch out for, where to meet, who to call, and how to communicate during a disaster.
Help them to understand the ins and outs of how to handle an emergency situation with these tips.
- Don't scare - Teach! Use age appropriate lessons that prepare them for the dangers that are out there, without causing unnecessary stress. Kids have wild imaginations, so make sure that you explain dangers to them in a way that will help to prepare them rather than worry.
- Share your plans. Your children need to know what your emergency plans are. Then your children will know how to react when something happens when they're on their own.
- Point out exits, police officers, and other safety necessities. When you're out and about, make sure to point out the safety resources. Show them what they should be looking out for when things go bad when they're lost.
- Conduct monthly safety drills. Every month or so, go through the exact procedures that you have in place to deal with certain disasters. Things like fire drills, earthquake drills, or drills that plan for the most likely disasters in your area are all things you should be doing. While it's great to share your plans, it's even better to practice them!
- Give them their own kit. During times of crisis, it's extremely important for your kids to feel as safe and as secure as possible. Having their own age-appropriate emergency bag with familiar items and comfort foods can be the reassurance they need during an emergency.
Find the right insurance protection that can help you get prepared for the unexpected.
Visit the team at Little & Sons Insurance Services, serving Banning, Beaumont, Calimesa, and neighboring cities in California.
