Preparing Kids For Emergencies

Last July, we had a nationwide Earthquake Preparedness Drill which was executed successfully in schools, offices, and even barangay units. Why? Because the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) released statements about “The Big One” hitting the Philippines that may happen in our lifetime, based on its careful studies of the movement of our faults and it also on historical occurrences. They even released a list of the most affected cities in Metro Manila should the 7.2-magnitude hit us, which of course created panic to people nationwide. Although we’re a nation of prayerful people, and we’ve proved time and time again how powerful our prayers could move mountains, it’s still better to be prepared.

Training adults, like you and me, is easy because we could read and comprehend emergency instructions, be updated with reports released on television and also on line. The challenge is how to teach emergency preparedness to members of the household especially our kids. I’ve listed some practical and creative tips to teach our children about emergencies which I learned from the talks I attended in the past.

Communicate in a manner they will understand. – Don’t use too many jargons when explaining. Use simple words which they will understand.
Role Play – My children learn faster when we do role playing or acting the part, like what happens in creative storytelling. Give a situation and explain what to do with actions, then let them simulate it.
Memorize Emergency Numbers through Singing – Music is a big part of our family. I sing, the kids sing, and hubby plays the instrument for us. My kids are both auditory learners. They learn faster when they hear something, especially in a song. So singing the numbers will make them memorize the information faster.
Teach how their toys could easily be replaced – Sometimes, kids tend to attach themselves to toys or gadgets and feel these are important to them. Tell them that in emergency situations, we have to leave these things and only carry important stuff with us, such as “GO Bags.”
Prepare a GO Bag with them and show what it’s for – A GO Bag is something that you grab and go when in an emergency situation. It contains very important matters needed for survival. Explain what the contents are for as part of role playing or singing too.

GO Bag Contents:

Water – Make sure drinking water is SAFE to avoid dehydration or other water-borne diseases. Our family only trusts Wilkins, because it's most trusted by moms and recommended by pediatricians. Plus it goes through a distillation process which involves boiling water into vapor and then turning it back into water. This step in the Wilkins purification process helps ensure you that our water is clean. So we’re putting bottles of Wilkins Drinking Water only.
Food – should be non-perishable such as canned goods, dried fruits or energy bars.
Emergency Tools or Gear

Emergency Numbers – make sure make several copies and laminate them.
Whistle – To signal people you’re alive or to be rescued
Flashlight – self-powered (through friction) is better.
Map – for navigation
Multi-purpose Knife – for many cutting use
Matches or lighter – for lighting fire when needed
AM Radio and batteries – to get news update
Garbage bags/Plastics – this has many-uses: as floor mats, protection from rain, easy carry-all bag
Rope – for tying or knotting and may be used for rescuing
Sleeping bags/blanket – for sleeping

Toiletries/Hygiene Kit – includes soap, shampoo, dental needs, toilet paper, napkin, towel, et
Medicines – Vitamins of the kids, for cough and colds, for anti-inflammatory, anti-biotic, other special meds
Documents and Money – for identification or proof of ownership and money for purchasing when ATMs or other banking systems are down.
First Aid Kit – this is an essential in possibly saving other people’s lives, used for injuries and other accident-inflicted cases.

The most important thing to do always, like what my parents say, is to PRAY. But of course, being prepared for disasters or emergencies will have better chances of survival, than not at all. As a mom, of course I always look after my children’s protection and safety in any situation. You could get more practical safety tips online such as in Wilkins Distilled Drinking Water Facebook Page. Stay SAFE everyone! #WilkinsCircleOfTrust

Louise Antonette

Hi, I'm Louise Fandiño Santos, a wife, a mom of all boys and a campaigns strategist by profession. My family, singing, flowers, chocolates, coffee, and traveling make me happy. I passionately blog about pretty and practical things and choices concerning motherhood, relationships, food, travel, events, and shopping. MORE?