September: National Preparedness Month – Week #4

9/20/2020 (Permalink)

September: National Preparedness Month – Week #4

Week #4 – September 20^th-26^th, Goal: Teach Youth About Preparedness

Throughout the month, we hope that you have been including children in your plans and discussions on what to do during emergencies. While it is very important to include them, you may want to take time and make sure that planning is putting their minds to ease, and not worrying them. It is perfectly normal to be a little scared of what could happen, especially if you are discussing what to do if you cannot find a parent right away during an emergency. One of the best/easiest ways to help ease their nerves is to make sure they are educated on what to do. This way, no matter what happens, they know how to keep themselves safe. After helping ease their nerves, they are a lot less likely to freeze up during a real emergency.

Being comfortable, and able to react is the main goal of this week!

www.ready.gov/kids is a great resource to help young children all the way up through the teenage years on what you can do during a disaster. Ready.gov not only has information, but also has age appropriate games for younger children, and ways that older children can be involved with the community and get hands on experience.  

Families: Under the kids section of ready.gov, there are also some activities listed that you can do together. This could be a great ice breaker if you can sense your children may be a little nervous.

Teachers: This month would be a great time to have a couple of lessons over being prepared at school and at home. Use ready.gov as a resource and talk to children about what they can do!

This is the last week of the 2020 National Preparedness Months activities! Remember to update your plans, be proactive, and join us again next year!