Emergency Preparedness for Kids + Teens
We never thought it would happen to us and thankfully it wasn’t as bad as it could have been, but I’ll never forget the day or that call.
We were on a walk and had left our older children home with the younger children, as we had done many times. When I first answered the phone and was greeted by my daughter’s anxious voice, I knew something was wrong.
“We heard a noise and now, there’s water everywhere!”
“What do you mean?” I asked her, worried.
“There was water pouring out of your bedroom door and into the living room!”
As I tried to remain calm, I got the full story out of her and was able to walk my oldest children through the process of containing this emergency until we got back home. The supply valve to the master bath toilet had busted and water was flowing at a high speed throughout the entire home.
I had taught my children previously where the shut-off valve was, but only my oldest was strong enough to get it turned off, and they struggled with the sheer force of the water coming out. Our entire lower level of our home was flooded and the cleanup was a long process. Had they not shut it off when they did, it could have been even worse.
Why Teach Emergency Preparedness
This little experience got me thinking, though. Would my children know what to do if there had been a fire? What if there had been a more serious emergency? We had talked about these things in general, but it had been a long time. Did they really have the skills needed to handle an emergency?
What would your child do if there was a fire? Do you know how to pack a hurricane kit? As a parent, there are many things you need to teach your children, but emergency preparedness is sometimes overlooked.
As a parent, it’s important that you give your children the important skills needed for emergency preparedness. Children have unique needs in the event of an emergency. This makes them especially vulnerable in times of disaster. You need to be aware of their unique physical, developmental, and emotional characteristics and needs.
Do they know what to do if they are separated from you in an emergency? Have you involved them in the process of disaster planning? Do you have an emergency evacuation plan? All of this can seem a little overwhelming for parents to try to teach their kids.
How Skill Trek Can Help
This is where SkillTrek comes in. We know the importance of teaching children emergency preparedness and we understand that these are not things you look at on a daily basis and you might forget to teach them to your children.
SkillTrek is a family-centered curriculum that is designed to help parents teach and children learn practical knowledge for life. These are not tasks that need to take extra time in your already busy life. They are things your children will learn as you are going through your normal daily routine. They are skills that can be taught and practiced while having dinner, doing chores, or going to school.
SkillTrek will help prepare your children for any emergencies that might arise, now and also when they are adults and on their own. Skill Trek will assure you that your children are well-equipped and ready for adulthood.
