ST. CROIX, U.S. Virgin Islands – Emergencies and disasters can happen at any time, often without much warning. Disaster planning and emergency preparation efforts must involve children; educating them and making them more resilient while enhancing their ability to recover faster from any type of disaster.
It is helpful to:
- Include children in preparedness conversations
- Know your child’s school emergency plan
- Practice emergency plans regularly
- Make sure children have emergency contacts memorized or written down
- Teach children how and when to call 9-1-1
Families need an emergency communications plan that includes a list of key contacts to reach out to during an emergency. Include an out of town emergency contact that every family member can reach to inform where and how they are, and when they will be able to reunite. Everyone should keep a copy of this list in their belongings, such as luggage, sports bags, school bags, emergency kits and in their cell phones.
The family emergency plan should also include an emergency kit with a 10-day supply of food and water for all members of the family, including pets. Other items may include, a battery or solar powered radio and additional batteries if needed, first aid kit, flashlight, clothes, blanket, whistle, and any prescribed medicine. Children can include personal items, such as their favorite book, toy or game.
Check out Ready.gov and VITEMA.VI.gov for more information about preparedness for children and other family members.
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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after a disaster.
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