EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Disasters can be very overwhelming for anyone, but especially so for children. It is important to talk with the children in your family about what to do and what to expect during disasters to reduce any stress and confusion they may experience.
Steps you can take to help the youth in your family prepare for disasters:
- Ensure children are included in preparedness conversations
- Learn the building blocks of preparedness − Be Informed, Make a Plan, Build a Kit and Get Involved.
- Know the emergency plan for your child’s school and childcare facility
- Practice evacuation plans and other emergency procedures with children on a regular basis
- Include showing your children how to handle family pets during disasters
- Learn different ways to help children cope during and after an emergency
- Make sure children have emergency contacts memorized or written down in a secure place
- Consider writing important numbers on their hand/arm in permanent markers or putting a luggage tag with your contact information on their belt loops
- Teach kids when and how to call important phone numbers like 911
Join us at our second Annual Preparedness Fair to learn more about preparedness from agencies on and off base on Sept. 27, 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. in the Base Exchange parking lot.