Preparing youngsters for emergency situations gives them the tools they need if any emergency actually happens. The preparation helps many kids stay calm in the face of an emergency. The topic of emergency preparedness applies to a variety of situations, including fire, inclement weather, terrorist attacks or natural disasters.
First Aid Kit
Keeping first aid kits on hand provides the basic tools needed for minor injuries sustained during an emergency situation. Let the kids put together their own first aid kits to keep in their bedroom, locker or backpack. Putting together the kit gives the kids the chance to learn about each item. Take time to teach the kids how to use the items as you pack them in the kit. A pencil box or other hard container works well to hold the first aid items. Include a list of basic first aid procedures for reference.
For further preparedness, expand the activity to create an emergency supply kit. This might include the first aid kit you created, a blanket, flashlight, a weather radio, an alert whistle and non-perishable food items.
Role Playing
Role playing allows the young participants to actually go through the motions that may be necessary during an emergency. Practicing first aid techniques such as tending to a wound or wrapping an ankle works well for role playing. You might also describe a particular emergency situation and have the kids act out their response.
Escape Plan
Many emergency situations require an evacuation to a safer area. Work with the kids to establish an escape plan for various emergencies, such as fires, tornadoes and other inclement weather. Draw a floor plan with the escape routes highlighted. Practice evacuations make the kids more comfortable with the process and may help keep them calm if they ever need to use the emergency escape plan.
Emergency Manual
Homemade books give kids the chance to reinforce their knowledge of emergency preparedness. By putting the information into their own words, they demonstrate how they interpret and understand what they have learned. Create a group manual that covers various emergency situations. Have the kids create the pages of the manual that include all of the relevant information about how to respond to each particular situation.
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