Full Notification

Disasters can come without warning and can be very frightening and traumatic to children.  During a disaster, your family may have to leave your home and depart from your daily routine. Children may become anxious, confused, or frightened. It is important to give children guidance that will help them reduce their fears. Having a plan and speaking with your children about what to do in a disaster may make the event less frightening. 

In a disaster, children will look to the adult in charge for guidance and help. How you react to an emergency gives them clues on how to act. If you react with alarm, your child may become more scared. They see your fear as proof that the danger is real. When talking with your child, be sure to present a realistic picture that is both honest and manageable.

Feelings of fear are healthy and natural for both adults and children. But as an adult, you need to keep control of the situation. When you're sure that danger has passed, concentrate on your child's emotional needs by asking the child what's uppermost in his or her mind. Having children participate in the family's recovery activities will help them feel that their life will soon return to "normal." Your response during this time may have a lasting impact.

Have a Plan:

Get a Kit

Get an emergency kit large enough to accommodate the entire family.  For help with getting an emergency kit click the following links:

http://www.redcross.org/prepare/location/home-family/get-kit

http://www.torranceca.gov/TPD/9930.htm

Discuss Kit Rules

Once you get the kit, make sure that everyone knows where it is and that the items are to be used for emergencies only. You don't want someone taking the water packet from the kit just because they don't want to make the trip to the kitchen.

 Personalize Your Kit

Have each family member pick their favorite canned foods and personal items and add them to the kit.

 Make an Evacuation Plan

This is much easier and less time consuming than it seems. Pull out a map and highlighter, and determine two or three destinations and the routes to get there.

 Be Informed

It is important to know what natural disasters can affect your area and what to do in the event of one striking. Watch the weather and stay on top of the news. If local authorities are telling you to evacuate, then EVACUATE! If you followed the drills above, then you already have an evacuation plan.

For more disaster related information for children click the following links:

http://www.ready.gov/kids

http://www.redcross.org/prepare/location/home-family/children

Forwarded By:

Torrance Police Department –

Community Affairs Division

310-618-6391 or 310-618-6392

www.Police.TorranceCA.Gov

www.YouTube.com/TPDCommAffairs

www.Facebook.com/TorrancePD

www.Twitter.com/TorrancePD

John Neu

Chief of Police

Torrance Police Department