It is essential to keep cool and remain calm in the face of adversity, including when facing dangerous conditions like those that present during a natural disaster. Adults may experience anxiety when facing adversity. Children who may not be mature enough to fully understand what’s going on may worry more than adults, which can increase their chances of being harmed in dangerous situations.
Making disaster preparedness a routine component of family life can take some of the mystery out of what to do in the event of an emergency. According to the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, it is never too early to start teaching kids about preparing for emergencies. Children are the most vulnerable when diaster strikes. Without sufficient preparation, children may suffer developmental, physical and psychological trauma following exposure to a disaster or another emergency.
Ready.gov and the VA offer tools and information to help all members of the family prepare for potential disasters. The following are some of their suggestions.
