The threats and hazards to Kitsap County will impact our kids. Will they know what to do when an earthquake strikes or another kind of disaster unfolds?
Be sure to talk to your kids about different kinds disasters. Involve them in making an emergency plan, gathering supplies and practicing what to do to safe. We’ve included a number of links on this page that makes learning this important information fun for kids and parents.
Talk
Discuss with your kids about the different kind of emergencies experience here in Kitsap County. This includes big emergencies like earthquakes and tsunamis, but also power outages, and winter storms. Also, when traveling, take time to learn about the disaster threats in that location as well.
Involve
Involve your children in preparing an emergency kit for your house and car. Also, haven them help build their own disaster Go-Bag. Be sure to include your child’s favorite toys and long shelf-life snacks.
Practice
Practice your plan with your kids regularly. As they get older, make sure to update the plan with them. For more, visit Ready.Gov.
Preparedness on the Go
Backpack Emergency Card
Print this emergency card for your child’s backpack.
The uncertainty that happens during and after a major event can be hard on children. Adults should try to limit a child’s exposure to images of disaster, actively listen to your child, and provide needed reassurance. For more, review 10 Tips for Helping Children Cope with Disaster (source: Save the Children.)
Fun Resources for Disaster Preparedness
Helpful Links
- Preparing Children for Disasters (Source: CDC)
- Children & Disasters (Source: American Academy of Pediatrics)
- Preparing Children with Special Needs for Disasters (source: American Academy of Pediatrics)
- Emergency Preparedness for Children with Special Needs (source: Seattle Children’s Hospital)
