Prepare Your Kids for Emergency Situations
Unfortunately, in today’s society, you have to prepare your children for emergency situations of all types. While you do not want to scare them, it is necessary for them to be well aware of dangerous situations and how they can protect themselves.
There are several arenas where we will have to teach our children about safety. Of course, we wish to keep them home and safe all the time; however, that is not reality. Teaching our children about being safe in the home, at school, while out with friends, and with their peers is essential to their safety and wellbeing.
At Home
There are, unfortunately, many perils existing in the family home. While you think your child is safest at home, this may not be the case. It is imperative to have a family meeting to discuss the best exit route in case of a family fire. Not only should you discuss it, you should practice it with them as well. Practice it over and over again until they get it down pat.
Teach your child the neighbors who are safe to run to in case of an emergency and which neighbors are more likely to be home in case of an emergency. Show them as early as possible how to dial 911. Teach your children their address and phone number as soon as they are able to understand it. These may seem like simple things, but in the case of an emergency, they can be life-saving.
In School
It is so sad that we have to even think about this in today’s day and age, but it is essential to the children’s wellbeing to discuss safety in school. The most important way to address this issue is to get the school involved. Discuss at meetings the possibility of having someone come in and discuss age-appropriate safety techniques in case of an emergency.
Have a talk with your child, letting them know that they are safe and just like a fire drill these safety presentations are to keep them even safer.
Outside the Home
Children of all ages are susceptible to danger outside the home. Teach your children the importance of letting you know AT ALL TIMES where they are – even if they move from one neighbor to the next. Have them keep their cell phones on them and charged at all times.
For younger children, of course, talking to strangers and helping adults in any way, shape, or form, is always wrong. If an adult wants help, teach your youngster to find a trusted neighbor or come home to dial 911.
These are just a few tips and advice on preparing your child for danger. As with any scenarios, an educated child is a safe child.