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Earthquakes, nuclear meltdowns, tsunamis and more: with cable tv, it doesn't matter if these disasters are in our town or thousands of miles away. We now encounter them in our own living room.
As a concerned citizen, I am captivated by the round-the-clock media coverage. On the other hand, as a parent, I need to consider the impact of these "disaster reports" on my youngsters.
With the constant images of destruction from recent earthquakes in Japan, my children are no longer asking me as numerous questions about our upcoming plans for spring break. Instead, they ask why those families do not have houses, or why cannot the youngsters uncover their parents. They now fear that something will take place and they'll lose their dad and I. They hold our hand a small tighter, snuggle a little closer, and in no way want to let us out of their sight. This reminds me of how my husband and I felt on our son's his 1st birthday, September 11, 2001. We held him closer, snuggled him tighter and didn't let him out of our sight either.
It is hard to explain to our kids that accidents happen, but your kids require to know the facts about these sorts of disasters. And, they must hear it from you rather than the in some cases diluted, exaggerated versions they hear elsewhere. Let your young children know that because we see these points on the tv doesn't make them any extra most likely that they will happen to us. To be certain that you are ready, though, take this chance to talk to them about what your loved ones can do to stay safe by developing a residence emergency program and preparing a safety kit. FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) has a fantastic, household-friendly webpage (fema.gov/kids) to aid parents and kids obtain ways to discuss natural disasters. Reassure your children that there are a number of many people working to assist others in need to have, and that your household can help too. Encourage them to brainstorm methods to assist. Here's a couple of ways to get you and your child started:
Penny drive: Collecting pennies from neighborhoods, classrooms and alot more is an hassle-free way to earn funds to aid other people out.
Adopt a loved ones: Fulfilling the wants of a family in need to have by offering clothes, toiletries, baby goods and even more is an activity all family members can do.
Fundraisers: Lemonade or cookie stands for younger kids and bake sales, auto/pet washes or garage sales for older children are a awesome way to earn capital for charitable causes.
Community outreach: Working with nearby agencies such as your school's Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO or PTA) or church is a amazing way to reach out to neighborhood and national families in require by organizing and participating in special events and activities.
Regrettably, our globe nowadays is filled with unpredictable and unforeseen events that affect our sense of safety and properly-being. Youngsters may well come across fear in a catastrophic event, but they can find comfort and security in our response to it. With consistent adore, compassion and communication, we can alleviate our children's fears and strengthen not only in our families, but our communities and nation as properly.
Here are some guidelines for a properly-stocked standard emergency preparedness kit:
- Preserve sufficient supplies on hand for a minimum of 3 days per individual.
- 1 gallon of water per individual per day.
- Non-perishable canned foods that demand no refrigeration and minimal preparation or water. (Do not forget the manual can opener!)
- Cooking and eating utensils
- Battery-powered radio, flashlight and added batteries
- Initially Aid kit
- Whistle to signal for aid
- Dust mask or cotton t-shirt to help filter air
- Moist towelettes
- Tools which includes wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
- Plastic sheeting and duct tape to produce "in-spot" shelter
- Mylar blankets
- Garbage bags and plastic ties
- Family necessities which includes very important documents, day-to-day prescriptions, eyeglasses, get in touch with lenses, infant formula and diapers, wipes.
- Cell phone, disaster strategy, map of nearby region for evacuation
- Clothing
- Income
- Books, coloring books, crayons and/or tiny games for children
For extra information and facts on exactly where to donate or volunteer, you can make contact with the following agencies:
American Red Cross (redcross.org) 1-800-Support NOW (435-7669)
Guide Star (guidestar.org)
(757) 229-4631
Salvation Army (salvationarmyusa.org) 1-800-SAL-ARMY (725-2769)
United Way (unitedway.org)
(703) 836-7100
© 2009 Julie Watson Smith
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