 Brief the kids at regular
intervals, so that they remember what to do. Refresh them with meeting places, phone
numbers, and safety rules. In case a disaster actually strikes, remember to follow the
advice of local officials. They will direct you to the safest route, away from roads that
may be blocked or can put you in further danger. Replace stored food and water every six
months, this will help ensure freshness. Children should be told that a disaster can hurt
people, cause damage, or cut off utilities such as water, telephones, or electricity.
Explain to them that nature sometimes provides too much of a good thing - fire, rain,
wind, and snow which can create disaster. Talk to them about the effects that they can
relate to, such as loss of electricity, water, and telephone service. Help children
recognize the warning signs for disaster. Discussing disaster ahead of time reduces fear
and anxiety and lets everyone know how to respond.
 We can teach our children how and when to call for help, how to
check the telephone directory for local emergency telephone numbers. At home, the
emergency telephone numbers can be prominently displayed next to the phone. Explain when
to call each number. Even very young children can be taught how and when to call for
assistance. If a child can’t read, make an emergency telephone number chart with
pictures that may help the child to identify the correct number to call. The older
children can take a first aid and CPR course. These are critical skills. Tell children
that in a disaster there are many people who can help them. Teach children to call family
contact in case they are separated from the family in an emergency. Help them memorize the
telephone number, or write it down on a card that they can keep with them.
 Make sure all the family members have a planned escape route that
they can travel with their EYES CLOSED! Fires quickly generate into a black choking smoke,
which is impossible to see through. Practice staying low to the ground when escaping.
Crawl on all the fours and keep to the walls. FEEL all DOORS before opening them and if
the door is hot, try to get out from another way. Open a window to escape or for fresh air
while awaiting to be rescued. More preferable would be to open slightly the top and bottom
portions because smoke tends to draw out of the top, while fresh air comes through the
bottom. Put damp clothes along the bottom of the door, this helps to keep toxic gases out
of your vicinity. Teach everyone to STOP, DROP and ROLL if clothes catch fire.
(To be continued)
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