Children in emergencies: how to explain it, what goes in their go bag and what to practice together
How to talk to children about earthquakes, power cuts or alerts without frightening them, what to put in their own emergency bag, what they should know by heart, how to practice together and how to help them afterwards.
In short
- Children are less frightened when they know what to do. Talk calmly, in words they understand, and make preparation a game.
- Every child should know their full name, address, a parent's phone number and the emergency number by heart.
- A small go bag of their own, with their flashlight, a toy, snacks and a contact card, gives them a sense of safety.
- Afterwards, listen, answer honestly and keep routines. Seek professional help if the fear doesn't fade.
Children watch everything the adults around them do. If parents are calm and prepared, children feel safe even in a difficult situation. If they learn about dangers only from the news or from rumors, fear grows. Preparing together, as a game, is the best protection.
This guide is adapted from FEMA’s Ready.gov family guidance, which is in the public domain.
How to talk about it
- Calm and brief. “Sometimes unexpected things happen, like an earthquake or a power cut. We have a plan so we stay safe.”
- In their words. With little ones, focus on what they do: “When the floor shakes, we go under the table and hold on to the leg.”
- Honest. Don’t promise that “nothing will ever happen”. Tell them that adults and rescuers are ready to help.
- Answer questions, even odd ones. Questions show what’s worrying them.
What they should know by heart
- their full name and their parents’ names
- their home address
- at least one parent’s phone number
- the emergency number and when to call it
- the family meeting place near home
- what to do in an earthquake: Drop, Cover, Hold On
- what to do when the smoke alarm goes off: get out at once, never hide
The child’s go bag
A small backpack they can carry themselves, next to the family’s bag:
- their own flashlight (fresh batteries or rechargeable)
- a small water bottle and favorite snacks
- a toy, book or small game, something familiar
- a change of clothes and a hat
- a laminated card with their name, parents’ names, phone numbers and any allergies
- a recent family photo
- for babies: diapers, formula, bottles, wipes, fever medicine
The full list for the rest of the family is in the 72-hour kit checklist.
Practice together
- Earthquake drill: twice a year, call out “Earthquake!” and everyone goes to the safe spot in the room they’re in.
- Fire drill: press the smoke alarm’s test button and go out together to the meeting place.
- Power cut drill: an evening with the lights off, using flashlights and playing games. Children remember it as an adventure.
- Coloring page: print our emergency bag coloring sheet and let them tick off what’s already in yours.
At school and daycare
- Learn the school’s procedures for earthquakes, fires and alerts.
- Decide who can collect your child if you can’t get there, and tell the school.
- During an alert, don’t go to collect them: schools have shelter procedures, and the trip puts you both at risk.
- Put all of this in your family emergency plan and give your child their own wallet card.
After an event
- Listen and let them express fears through words, drawings or play.
- Keep routines as far as possible: meals, sleep, bedtime stories.
- Limit news and disturbing images.
- Watch for lasting signs: nightmares, fear of being alone, regression in little ones. If they don’t fade within a few weeks, talk to your doctor or a child psychologist.
Frequently asked questions
At what age can I start talking about emergencies?
From 3–4 you can start with simple things: what the smoke alarm sounds like, where we hide in an earthquake, how to call the emergency number. From school age, children can learn the family plan and meeting place and help put the kit together.
What if I'm at work and my child is at school when something happens?
Schools have evacuation and shelter plans. Don't go to collect your child during an alert or earthquake: civil protection agencies advise against it. Learn the school's procedure in advance, decide who can collect your child if you can't, and put it all in your family plan.
Should my child have a phone for emergencies?
That depends on age and family. More important than a phone is that, from school age, children know a parent's number by heart, not just saved in a device. A card in their bag with contact details helps younger ones too.
My child has been afraid of earthquakes since seeing the news. What can I do?
Limit exposure to disturbing images and talk about what your family does to stay safe, not about the disaster. Concrete preparation (the drill, the go bag, the safe spot at home) reduces fear. If sleep problems or anxiety last more than a few weeks, talk to your doctor or a child psychologist.
Sources and further reading
Preper is for general education and does not replace instructions from your local authorities or advice from a doctor. In an emergency, call your local emergency number.