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Kids Get Ready Too
Hey Kids! Here are some cool web sites and books designed just for you! Click on the links below and you'll find fun activities, coloring books, and more. Have fun and learn about disasters at the same time:
The phrase "The better you're prepared, the less you're scared" goes for kids as well as adults. When talking to kids about disasters, it is important to teach them about disasters, without overly alarming them. It's a balancing act between the facts and potential impacts of a disaster and empowering them with actions they can take to be safe. Being open about what you are doing as a family to prepare before disasters happens is comforting. When possible, involve kids in activities like putting together the disaster supplies kit.
Teaching Younger Children
The best thing you can do for younger children is to create a safe environment around them. You can't really teach an infant or young toddler about Stop, Drop and Roll in a fire, but you can reduce the likelihood they will get hurt from candles, matches, fireplaces and other dangers around them.
As Kids Get Older
For most kids, you can start introducing safety actions at about age 4. Don't overwhelm them with too much information at once. Teach one safety action such as Stop, Drop and Roll in a fire, or Drop, Cover and Hold On under the dining room table in an earthquake, and follow up with practice drills so they can demonstrate they understand what to do. Practice with them until you are satisfied they know what to do.
As kids get older, you can talk about how a disaster is something that could hurt people or cause damage. Explain that nature sometimes provides "too much of a good thing" -- fire, rain, and wind. Explain how important it is to make a Family Disaster Plan. Teach children:
Parent Resources
- Earthquakes for Kids
- Kids - Ready.gov
- Let’s Get Ready - Sesame Street
- Ready Kids Activity Book (PDF)
- Sci-Jinks
The phrase "The better you're prepared, the less you're scared" goes for kids as well as adults. When talking to kids about disasters, it is important to teach them about disasters, without overly alarming them. It's a balancing act between the facts and potential impacts of a disaster and empowering them with actions they can take to be safe. Being open about what you are doing as a family to prepare before disasters happens is comforting. When possible, involve kids in activities like putting together the disaster supplies kit.
Teaching Younger Children
The best thing you can do for younger children is to create a safe environment around them. You can't really teach an infant or young toddler about Stop, Drop and Roll in a fire, but you can reduce the likelihood they will get hurt from candles, matches, fireplaces and other dangers around them.
As Kids Get Older
For most kids, you can start introducing safety actions at about age 4. Don't overwhelm them with too much information at once. Teach one safety action such as Stop, Drop and Roll in a fire, or Drop, Cover and Hold On under the dining room table in an earthquake, and follow up with practice drills so they can demonstrate they understand what to do. Practice with them until you are satisfied they know what to do.
As kids get older, you can talk about how a disaster is something that could hurt people or cause damage. Explain that nature sometimes provides "too much of a good thing" -- fire, rain, and wind. Explain how important it is to make a Family Disaster Plan. Teach children:
- How to call for help
- When to call each emergency number
- To call the family contact if separated
- To keep personal identification information in their possession at all times
Parent Resources