Tips to Help Families Support Their Children

1. Don’t get caught up in the “hype.” The potential for a disaster is great opportunity for media to increase their audience. Constant exposure to drama that is presented as information for the purpose of entertainment can cause serious emotional issues for children. Limit your family’s time in front of the television and tune in for regular updates and alerts.
2. Have a plan and know what you will do. It is the unknown that frightens most people. Most children and youth are more disturbed about what they think might happen than by reality. Planning makes the unknown easier for children.
3. Talk on a level that your child can understand. Children of all ages will know or sense that something is wrong. Older children should be included in developing the family plan. They should also be encouraged to develop their own plan about things important to them. Younger children can help you pack things such as flash lights or preparing water bottles. Infants and young children may not understand your words, but take the time to hold them and tell them how much you love them and that you will always do your best to care for them. Singing and playing games they recognize can help calm them.
4. Give children information they need. When a child asks how bad the expected disaster can be, such as a storm, you can compare it to others they may have experienced. If they see devastation on television explain to them what you will do IF it is that bad. Have them talk about what they think they could do to help protect themselves and their belongings. Talk about the plan and where you will be.
5. Keep routines and regular schedule. Routines reinforce to children that things will be staying the same for a while. They are comforted by doing what they are used to doing. This helps them understand that “life goes on.” When it gets to the point where you can no longer follow these routines because of the weather or illness, build new routines that relate to your planning and response to the storm.
6. Make sure children know what to do if you are not around. If your child is old enough to talk, they should be taught your name. Older children should be taught their address, phone number, and your cell phone number. Make sure your children have some identification on them even if they are with you, such as those sold for shoe laces or an information card in their pocket on how to get a hold of you should you be separated.
7. Your child’s special needs. If your child has special needs make sure they have a medical alert. This is especially important if they have a need that may not be obvious (such as diabetes, a chronic health condition, or allergy). Teach your child to answer questions about their condition and treatment as soon as they are old enough. This will help ensure that others can care for them in your absence. Also, keep a health history information form on your child in their pocket and make copies to keep with you.
8. Teach your children to recognize and accept help from emergency officials. Make sure your children can recognize emergency officials, such as police, Red Cross, firemen, and others. Help them understand that if they are alone they can go to these people for help. It is important that they learn to NOT be afraid and hide from emergency officials. This can make locating them if they are separated from you more difficult. Disaster