Ready Kat

Preparing for emergencies is something that everyone in the family plays a role. Children of all ages need to understand what they need to do in case of an emergency. Below are some steps and resources that can help you with engaging the entire family!

1. Emergency Supply Kit Checklists
2. Parents and Parents-to-be Preparedness
3. Know the Facts About Disasters

Involve Children in Emergency Planning

1. Keep kids involved. Never assume that an adult will be present during an emergency situation; include children in emergency planning so that they know what will be expected of them. Children should be taught exactly where to go, what to do, and how to communicate during a crisis. Emergency plans should be reviewed with children on a regular basis to make sure that they won’t forget any information.
2. Ask for their input. If children help to create a plan, they will be more likely to remember it when the time comes to implement it. Parents may want to quiz their children by asking, “Where in town is a good place for us to meet if there is ever a crisis? Do you know how to get there by yourself?” or “Who is a the best relative or other person to call outside of this area if we cannot communicate with each other? Do you have their phone number memorized?” Be sure to make practice visits to your family meeting place, and practice calls to your emergency contact relatives, so children will feel comfortable doing so when the time comes.
3. Supply Kit Game. Making an emergency supply kit can be a fun game for kids! First, have children make a list of what they think might be needed in an emergency. Compare it with a published list, such as the one on The Department of Homeland Security’s “Ready Kids” website (http://www.ready.gov/kids/_downloads/familylist.pdf). Then, have a scavenger hunt to search the home or classroom for the items that are needed. Make sure to purchase any items that you do not already own for the home or classroom!

Do you want to be a Ready Kat Hero? Knowing your role and doing your part will help your family be safe in the event of an emergency. Do not worry if you are not sure where to start. Below are some links that will help you become a Ready Kat Hero!

1. Build a Kit – Game
2. Learn about Disasters – Game
3. Ready.gov.kids

As educators, you spend a lot of time with the youth of today and the adultsof tomorrow. Finding resources to educate children and young adult needs to be easy and intuitive! Below are some helpful resources that can engage any age!

1. Youth Emergency Preparedness Curriculum
2. Sesame Street Educator Guide
3. Sesame Street Toolkit
4. The Step Guide (4th-5th Grade)