Family Emergency Preparedness with Children
Hope for the Best, Plan for the Worst
Whether it is an earthquake, wildfire, severe storm, or home emergency, having a plan transforms chaos into action. When children are involved, preparation is even more critical - young kids cannot fend for themselves, and the adults around them must know exactly what to do.
The Family Emergency Plan
Every household should have a written plan that answers these questions:
- Where do we meet if we cannot get home? Designate two meeting points: one near the house (e.g., the mailbox) and one outside the neighborhood (e.g., a relative's house).
- Who is our out-of-area contact? In a regional disaster, local calls may not go through. Choose a friend or relative in another state as a central message hub.
- What are the evacuation routes from every room in the house?
- Where are the shut-offs for gas, water, and electricity?
Post this plan on the refrigerator and review it with every caregiver in the home.
Go Bags for Families with Kids
Prepare one bag per family member, plus a shared bag with supplies. Store them near the front door or in the car.
Per child:
- 3 days of diapers/pull-ups (if applicable)
- Change of clothes and a warm layer
- Comfort item (stuffed animal, blanket)
- Non-perishable snacks and a water bottle
- Any critical medications
Shared bag:
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- First aid kit
- Copies of important documents (IDs, insurance cards, medical records)
- Cash in small bills
- Phone charger and portable battery
- Whistle and emergency blankets
Practice Drills with Children
Drills should be calm and matter-of-fact, not scary.
- Practice fire escape routes twice a year. Time yourselves and make it a game.
- Teach children to stop, drop, and roll and to feel a door for heat before opening it.
- Practice earthquake protocol: drop, cover, hold on under a sturdy table.
- For older children, ensure they can recite a parent's phone number and home address from memory.
Nanny Emergency Protocols
Your nanny must have:
- Written authorization for medical treatment. In an emergency, hospitals may hesitate to treat a child without parental consent. A signed medical authorization letter solves this.
- A laminated medical info card with each child's allergies, medications, blood type, pediatrician's name and number, and insurance information.
- Clear instructions on whether to shelter in place or evacuate, and where to go in each scenario.
- Emergency contact list priority: Parent 1, Parent 2, designated emergency contact, Poison Control, pediatrician.