Talking to Children About Emergencies

National Preparedness Month (NPM) is an observance each September to raise awareness about the importance of preparing for disasters and emergencies that could happen at any time. The 2021 theme is “Prepare to Protect. Preparing for disasters is protecting everyone you love.”

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The following resources can be used by parents, families, and child care providers to talk to children about emergencies:

Developmentally Appropriate Practice Part V: Safety

Trying Together developed resource content to help guide parents and caregivers in taking steps to eliminate hazards and create safe spaces for children in and out of the home. Resources within that part include:

  • Discussing Emergencies with Young Children in a Non-Threatening Way: Children’s abilities to cope with stressful or frightening situations improve when they know more about what is happening and feel that they are able to help protect those closest to them. This post outlines non-threatening ways to approach emergency topics while helping children feel empowered.

  • Creating an Emergency Kit for Your Family - Emergencies like natural disasters, fires, injuries, and other crisis situations can happen in the blink of an eye. This checklist  can aid families as they create an emergency kit together with children. They will learn the basics of staying safe during an emergency.

Caring for Children in a Disaster

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers resources and suggestions for:

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) also offers the following PDF Tips for Talking With and Helping Children and Youth Cope After a Disaster or Traumatic Event: A Guide for Parents, Caregivers, and Teachers.

To learn more about National Preparedness Month, visit www.ready.gov/september.

Heidi Winkler