The best thing I can do for my children is teach them how to prepare and react if we have another storm. Disaster preparedness involves the entire family. Parents should inform themselves of preparedness and response issues, and they should share this information with their children. It is important to talk with children about safety and to include them in planning for a disaster. Often adults will take precautions at their children's suggestion that they would not normally take.
Children depend on daily routines.
They wake up, eat breakfast, go to school and play with friends. When emergencies or disasters interrupt or threaten to interrupt this routine, children usually become anxious. In a disaster situation, children are most afraid that someone will be injured or killed, that they will be separated from the family or that they will be left alone. By helping children understand disasters and be prepared for them, they are empowered, reassured and comforted. Then, meet with your family to discuss what you would do, as a group, in each situation.