Families Can Include Kids in Disaster Preparations
Release Date: July 23, 2003
Release Number: 1474-66
» More Information on West Virginia Severe Storms, Flooding and Landslides
Charleston, WV -- The greatest resource of our country is its youth, and they can play an important role in helping families prepare for disasters.
As a result of the severe storms, flooding and landslides that occurred between June 11 and July 15, 2003, many West Virginians are taking disaster preparedness seriously and allowing kids to take an active role in helping their families prepare for disaster.
Every family needs to plan for unexpected disasters. Children can feel they are included in the family team by taking part in the preparedness process. Kids and their families should sit down and talk about:
- How they will prepare the family home for the pending disaster
- What kinds of supplies will be in the family disaster survival/first aid kit
- How they will evacuate if necessary and where they may possibly go (to a shelter or relative's home)
- Where they will meet away from the home in case they are not together when the disaster strikes
- Where to call to "check in" if they become separated or are not together at home during the disaster
A good project for youngsters may be to allow them to assemble their own "kids activity survival kit" which may include:
- A few favorite books
- Crayons, coloring books, pencils and paper
- Two favorite toys or stuffed animals
- One or two board games
- A deck of cards
- A favorite blanket or pillow
Letting kids take an active role in disaster preparedness is a family affair and teaches them how to be "disaster-preparedness wise."
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has a disaster information Web site just for kids. Parents and teachers as well are encouraged to log onto www.fema.gov/kids/ for more disaster facts and information.
Last Modified: Wednesday, 23-Jul-2003 14:41:35