(adjust according to age)   Teach children when to call 911 Teach children how to call 911 Teach children how to make long distance telephone calls     their family name address phone number where to meet in case of an emergency the family secret word   For children who are NOT old enough to memorize information. Keep an index card tucked into their 72 hour kit that contains up-to-date info:   family name emergency contact info any known food or medication allergies   (adjust for age-appropriateness and how much time you have to escape) Close own bedroom door Gather own survival kit Wear own whistle necklace Put pet(s) on leash/in pet carrier Telephone local family or friend Telephone long-distance family or friend Hold the hand of younger sibling (once out of danger) HELP CHILDREN PREPARE FOR CRISIS (a glimpse inside Do-it-Yourself Crisis Survival) Emergency events are stressful for adults, but they are frightening, even traumatic, for children. Talking openly and calmly about crisis, self-reliance and preparations is a vital step in soothing whatever fears they may have. Your approach to getting ready and your response to crisis will significantly impact your children. Like every other issue in life, children learn 'the facts' from the non-verbal as well as the verbal messages from adults. More often than not, adult behaviour speaks louder, than the things we actually say to children. How you react to an emergency gives them clues about how to act. If you react with alarm, a child may become more scared. They see our fear as proof that the danger is real. Children rely on consistent daily routines for their sense of security. Knowing what will happen, in what order, is crucial to their feelings of safety. During a crisis, daily routines will become disrupted, injuries may be sustained, belongings may be lost, pets may be in jeopardy. Prepare your child for the possibility. Talk about your plans and address their concerns honestly. Avoid the tendency to respond to their fears with superficial answers. Allow children to talk about the issues as long as they have questions. Discussing the issues will help alleviate their anxiety, fear and confusion. (will change according to age) What will happen? Where will we go? How will we get there? How will we go/stay together? Will it happen again? Will anybody get hurt or die? Who will look after me? What about my friend? What about grandma / grandpa . . .? Will we have food? What about my pets? What about my toys?   Children need to be a part of life-style changes and crisis survival plans. It helps them assimilate the information in a way that will develop their own self-reliance. In addition, assigning children a couple of age-appropriate crisis duties will aid in their sense of contribution and belonging. Like adults, children feel less vulnerable when they know what action to take. During/After A Crisis: Remember that your actions and your words will upset or reassure your child. Truthful, but confident responses, keeping the family together, lots of hugs and kisses and decisive action will have lasting impressions. Keep your child informed and involved. Return to normal family routines and household responsibilities as much and as quickly as possible. Always allow children to express their feelings.   Copyright © 1998-2008 Eagle-Research, Inc.