PREPARED NOT SCARED National Preparedness Month 2019 FEMA Ready The National Preparedness Month of September encourages families and the community to be "Prepared, not Scared". WEEK #3 September 15-21 Topic: Teach Youth to Prepare for Disasters Emergencies and natural disasters are both scary and fascinating topics for children as they learn about the wonder and fright of them all. But children can find reassurance and empowerment when taught more about these situations and they are guided through the understanding of what could happen, what they should do to prepare, and what they should do during such an event. Teaching children about emergencies in a calm and reassuring environment will help them cope when a real event occurs. Explain to your child what an emergency is. Emergencies happen when we don't expect it and we usually must act quickly to keep ourselves safe. Explain to your child that you can get ready for emergencies together, just like we get ready for a car ride by wearing our seat belts or by wearing our helmets when we ride our bike or scooter. Talk about and explain the emergencies that are most likely to occur in your neighborhood and community. Teach your child their first and last name. It's important for your child to know their whole name and the whole names of their parents or guardians. When a trusted adult asks your child what their name is, encourage them to respond with their first and last name. Teach your child their home address and phone number. f your child knows their home address and phone number, the reunification process will be quicker...reducing any likely separation anxiety. While in a large facility, show your child an "EXIT" sign. Explain to your child what the EXIT sign means. Make a game out of having the child guide you out of the building by following the exit signs. Teach your child who the "HELPERS" are that help keep him/her safe. Our neighborhoods are filled with special helpers who are ready to help us if needed. Help your child learn about neighborhood helpers like firefighters, police officers, doctors, utility workers and emergency responders. The more familiar your child is with these helpers the more confident they will feel with them in case of an emergency Make a disaster go kit together. Let your child make suggestions of what should be included in your go kit and ask them to explain why it is important. Some items may seem silly to include, but your child will feel proud knowing they contributed to the kit. Talk to your child's school. Ask your child's school administrators if they have an emergency evacuation and reunification plan. Ask for details on what the plan includes. Ask if parents can be included during any re-unification trainings or exercises. The following link provides many helpful resources and fillable forms to help you empower your child to be prepared for a disaster or emergency. https//www.ready.gov/kids For more information and resources on how you and your family can better prepare for a disaster or emergency, go to https//www.ready.gov/september or contact the Inyo County Office of Emergency Services at (760) 878-0120 w PREPARED NOT SCARED National Preparedness Month 2019 FEMA Ready The National Preparedness Month of September encourages families and the community to be "Prepared, not Scared". WEEK #3 September 15-21 Topic: Teach Youth to Prepare for Disasters Emergencies and natural disasters are both scary and fascinating topics for children as they learn about the wonder and fright of them all. But children can find reassurance and empowerment when taught more about these situations and they are guided through the understanding of what could happen, what they should do to prepare, and what they should do during such an event. Teaching children about emergencies in a calm and reassuring environment will help them cope when a real event occurs. Explain to your child what an emergency is. Emergencies happen when we don't expect it and we usually must act quickly to keep ourselves safe. Explain to your child that you can get ready for emergencies together, just like we get ready for a car ride by wearing our seat belts or by wearing our helmets when we ride our bike or scooter. Talk about and explain the emergencies that are most likely to occur in your neighborhood and community. Teach your child their first and last name. It's important for your child to know their whole name and the whole names of their parents or guardians. When a trusted adult asks your child what their name is, encourage them to respond with their first and last name. Teach your child their home address and phone number. f your child knows their home address and phone number, the reunification process will be quicker...reducing any likely separation anxiety. While in a large facility, show your child an "EXIT" sign. Explain to your child what the EXIT sign means. Make a game out of having the child guide you out of the building by following the exit signs. Teach your child who the "HELPERS" are that help keep him/her safe. Our neighborhoods are filled with special helpers who are ready to help us if needed. Help your child learn about neighborhood helpers like firefighters, police officers, doctors, utility workers and emergency responders. The more familiar your child is with these helpers the more confident they will feel with them in case of an emergency Make a disaster go kit together. Let your child make suggestions of what should be included in your go kit and ask them to explain why it is important. Some items may seem silly to include, but your child will feel proud knowing they contributed to the kit. Talk to your child's school. Ask your child's school administrators if they have an emergency evacuation and reunification plan. Ask for details on what the plan includes. Ask if parents can be included during any re-unification trainings or exercises. The following link provides many helpful resources and fillable forms to help you empower your child to be prepared for a disaster or emergency. https//www.ready.gov/kids For more information and resources on how you and your family can better prepare for a disaster or emergency, go to https//www.ready.gov/september or contact the Inyo County Office of Emergency Services at (760) 878-0120 w