Prepared, Not Scared: Helping Kids Get Ready for Emergencies
Emergencies can be unsettling for everyone but especially for children. They pick up on tension quickly, and without clear information, their imaginations often fill in the blanks. That’s why one of the most powerful things we can do is help kids feel calm, included, and confident in the face of uncertainty.
Emergency preparedness doesn’t have to be scary. In fact, it works best when it’s woven into everyday life. With a few small steps, families can help children understand what to expect and how to respond in a way that feels safe and empowering.
It starts with simple conversations. These don’t need to be dramatic or detailed. A question like, “What would we do if the lights went out?” or “Where would we meet if we got separated?” can open the door. Keep it age-appropriate, positive, and reassuring. Let your child know that adults are there to protect and guide them—and that being prepared is just one way we all stay safe together.
Next, involve them in the process. Kids love to help, and creating their own small emergency kit is a great place to start. Let them pack a flashlight, a favourite snack (long shelf life), a comfort item, and a photo of your family. Add your contact information and talk about when and how the kit might be used. It’s a small act that builds both comfort and confidence.
Another key step is mapping out your family’s emergency plan. Children understand things best when they can see them so drawing out your home, exits, meeting places, and safe zones together can go a long way. Add stickers or drawings to make it memorable. Post the plan somewhere visible and revisit it now and then, especially after major weather events or school drills.
Most importantly, celebrate your child’s involvement. Let them know that being prepared is a kind of superpower. Whether it’s earning a “Preparedness Hero” badge or simply acknowledging their participation, that recognition reinforces a sense of capability and pride.
Take part in our "6 Weeks to Preparedness for Kids" activity list
Emergencies are easier to understand when they’re talked about calmly and with care. This week, begin by asking simple, open-ended questions like:
“What do you think we’d do if the power went out?” “Have you ever wondered why the fire alarm goes off?”
Look for natural opportunities, bedtime, mealtimes, or while playing. Keep your tone light and focused on helping, not fear. Kids take their emotional cues from adults, so a calm approach makes all the difference.
Get your child involved in building their own mini “go bag.” It doesn’t have to be fancy just a few comforting, useful things they can keep ready at home, in the car, or at a relative’s place.
Some great items to include:
Flashlight (with extra batteries)
A snack or juice box
A small toy or stuffed animal
A family photo
A card with emergency contact numbers
Let them decorate the bag or label it with their name. This gives them a sense of control and comfort.
Kids learn best through repetition and action so make preparedness part of play.
Do a mini “grab-and-go” drill: Can they find their kit in under 2 minutes?
Walk through your exit routes from the house or building.
Talk about what would happen if they were at school or daycare.
Keep it short and positive and follow it with something fun like a snack or storytime. The more familiar it is, the less scary it feels.
Emergencies can be confusing especially for kids. A comfort card helps emergency responders (and your child) know who they are, how to reach you, and what they need. Include:
A calm, loving message like: “We’ll find you. You are safe.”
A small photo of family, pets, or a special place
Help your child understand the bigger picture of your emergency plan. Where would you meet if you were separated? Who would pick them up? Where are the safe places nearby?
Make this a creative activity:
Draw your home and neighbourhood together
Add symbols for meeting spots and helpers
Use markers, stickers, or photos to personalize it
Stick the map somewhere visible like the fridge, front hall, or their room.
Congratulations you and your child have taken six big steps toward being ready for anything! Now it’s time to celebrate their role in keeping the family safe.
Download the “Preparedness Hero” certificate
Have a treat night or movie reward
Talk about what they’ve learned and what comes next
Building confidence is part of building resilience. Let them know they’ve done something important and empowering.
Preparedness doesn’t happen overnight, and it doesn’t have to.
But by including children in the process and giving them the tools to understand and act, we give them something even more valuable than a flashlight or snack: a sense of agency in uncertain times.
