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Safety for Kids
It is extremely important to teach your children what to do in an emergency in case you are not there to help them -- make sure they know where your family meeting place is, who your out-of-town family contact is, and practice evacuation drills regularly at home. Have them help you put together your Family Disaster Supply Kit. And children can also learn basic life supporting first aid.
To have your children take an active interest emergency preparedness, mitigation, and safety, visit these websites:
- The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) websites Ready Kids and FEMA for Kids include lots of information for kids to learn about disasters, how they can prepare for them, and how they can reduce their impact in a fun and interactive way.
- The DHS United States Fire Administration also has a website for kids to learn about fire prevention and what everyone should do to be safer at home, USFA's Kids Page.
- Sparky is the mascot of the National Fire Protection Association and this site focuses on fire prevention education for kids, with lots of games to reinforce the message.
- The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has designed fun activities for kids to explore the planet they live on, including hazardous weather. These activities are linked from the NOAA education webpage and are tailored for children grades K-5 and for grades 6-12.
- Code Red Rover is the Home Safety Council's website for children that introduces them to Rover, the Home Safety Hound, and delivers interactive games and puzzles to assist children in identifying dangers in and around the home.
- The Interactive Zone at the American Red Cross website includes games, quizzes, and map to engage youngsters in emergency preparedness and disasters safety. There are also lots of ways for children and young adults to get involved in Youth Services with the American Red Cross.
- Here is a listing of other government websites that may be of interest to kids.
Websites for Parents and Teachers
There are also lots of training materials available for teachers to integrate safety messages in course curricula. Visit these websites and ask your children's teacher or school administrator about teaching these programs in your school district.
- Masters of Disaster developed by the American Red Cross provides curriculum specifically tailored for lower elementary (grades K-2), upper elementary (grades 3-5), and middle school (grades 6-8) classes. For each of the three class groups there is a customized kit that contains–lessons plans, activities, video.
- Risk Watch: A comprehensive injury prevention program designed for use in the classroom, with separate modules for pre-K through 8th grade.
- And here are some good resources for parents and teachers compiled by FEMA.