What To Do In An Emergency

Disasters, such as fires, floods, earthquakes and break-ins, can traumatize affected individuals. Children are especially vulnerable, not only to physical injury, but also to emotional damage associated with the fear and panic of the unforeseen event. Preparing for emergencies ahead of time can reduce the stressful impact of the disaster and increase the likelihood that your family will experience the event unharmed.

First, make sure that your home is equipped with an emergency supply kit. Ensure that each member of your family knows where to find the emergency kit, and that everyone knows how to use each item included. Teach your children basic first aid, such as how to sanitize wounds and fasten band-aids, and stress the importance of preventing infection.

Physical safety during an emergency is very important, but don't forget about your child's emotional and mental states. By calmly discussing the potential emergencies that could arise in your home, you can instill confidence in your children. Do not scare your kids! Instead, open the lines of communication, and empower your children with knowledge.

Teach your kids how to be safe during fires; create a fire evacuation plan, and perform regular drills with your family. Make sure that your children know the safest exit to choose in the event of a fire. Provide alternative escape plans, such as how to exit through a window in case the main exit is blocked with fire. Don't forget these three words: stop, drop, and roll! If your kid's clothes become engulfed in flames, teach them how to stop, drop, and roll to extinguish the fire. Also, remind your children that smoke and heat rise, and that they should crawl on their hands and knees to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.

Teach your children the following fire safety tips:

• Do not scramble to find belongings or pets during a fire
• Do not hide from firefighters or emergency personnel
• Do not walk upright, but crawl on hands and knees

In the event of a break-in, teach your children to hide and remain calm. With a burglar alarm system, emergency personnel will be immediately notified to the potential danger in your home. Two-way voice service allows emergency dispatchers to listen for sounds of an intruder, and instantly contact local authorities. Teach your children to remain silent, and avoid confrontation with the potential burglar. If you do not have a home security system with two-way voice, make sure your children know to dial 911 to notify police department.

Other helpful safety tips:

• Make sure your children know their home phone number and address
• Lock all firearms and weapons in a heavy-duty vault
• Teach your kids to never talk to strangers, or let them into your home
• Keep all hazardous cleaning supplies out-of-reach of children