Who Depends On You In 72? Kids

Alberta Emergency Management Agency

Kids depend on you! Whether they are your children, nieces/nephews, cousins or friends, the younger ones depend on the adults in their lives to provide them guidance and calm before, during and after an emergency event. Whether it is showing them when and why they should dial 911 or ensuring that they know the household emergency plan, this dialogue will let kids feel secure about helpful measures that are already in place if they ever need them.

Reinforce these key points with the kids in your life:

• Make sure they know their first and last name and their parents or guardians first and last names (not just mommy or uncle).
• Make sure they know their home address and phone number (include area code now).
• Create a contact card that can be left in a child’s back pack that has important contact information. (Be sure to include an out of town contact that may not be affected by the emergency)
• Know the kids’ school or daycare emergency plan. (How will they notify parents? Where do they evacuate to?)
• Determine a safe place to meet if for whatever reason you can not return to your home (local grocery store, post office, with neighbours)
• Make packing your home’s 72 hour emergency kit a family activity. Include recent pictures of family members and ask the kids to put some comfort items (teddy bear, books)

Every person in your family should play a role in preparing for an emergency, and all ages should know what is required if an emergency occurs. By taking advantage of everyday activities to practice for an emergency, the children in your family will have a tool kit of habits to draw from when they need it most.

72 Hour Kit Shopping List Items - Day One:

• Find a back pack (the ones given at conferences work well!), suitcase, or large plastic container to put supplies in.
• Water – 2 litres of water per person per day (include small bottles as well in case you are evacuated)
• Blankets