Natural Disasters and Our Children

Earthquakes, nuclear meltdowns, tsunamis and more: with cable television, it doesn’t matter if these disasters are in our town or thousands of miles away. We now experience them in our own living room.

As a concerned citizen, I am captivated by the round-the-clock media coverage. However, as a parent, I must consider the affect of these “disaster reports” on my children.

With the constant images of destruction from recent earthquakes in Japan, my children are no longer asking me as many questions about our upcoming plans for spring break. Instead, they ask why those families don’t have homes, or why can’t the children find their parents. They now fear that something will happen and they’ll lose their dad and I. They hold our hand a little tighter, snuggle a little closer, and never want to let us out of their sight. This reminds me of how my husband and I felt on our son’s his first birthday, September 11, 2001. We held him closer, snuggled him tighter and didn’t let him out of our sight either.

It is difficult to explain to our children that accidents happen, but your children need to know the facts about these types of disasters. And, they should hear it from you rather than the sometimes diluted, exaggerated versions they hear elsewhere. Let your children know that because we see these things on the television doesn’t make them any more likely that they will happen to us. To be sure that you are prepared, though, take this opportunity to talk to them about what your family can do to stay safe by creating a home emergency plan and preparing a safety kit. FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) has a fantastic, family-friendly website (fema.gov/kids) to help parents and kids find ways to discuss natural disasters. Reassure your children that there are many people working to help others in need, and that your family can help too. Encourage them to brainstorm ways to help. Here’s a few ways to get you and your child started:

Penny drive: Collecting pennies from neighborhoods, classrooms and more is an easy way to earn funds to help others out.
Adopt a family: Fulfilling the needs of a family in need by providing clothes, toiletries, baby goods and more is an activity all family members can do.
Fundraisers: Lemonade or cookie stands for younger children and bake sales, car/pet washes or garage sales for older kids are a great way to earn money for charitable causes.
Community outreach: Working with local agencies such as your school’s Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO or PTA) or church is a wonderful way to reach out to local and national families in need by organizing and participating in special events and activities.

Unfortunately, our world today is filled with unpredictable and unforeseen events that affect our sense of safety and well-being. Children may find fear in a catastrophic event, but they can find comfort and security in our response to it. With consistent love, compassion and communication, we can alleviate our children’s fears and strengthen not only in our families, but our communities and nation as well.

* * *

Here are some guidelines for a well-stocked basic emergency preparedness kit:
Keep enough supplies on hand for a minimum of three days per person.
One gallon of water per person per day.
Non-perishable canned foods that require no refrigeration and minimal preparation or water. (Don’t forget the manual can opener!)
Cooking and eating utensils
Battery-powered radio, flashlight and extra batteries
First Aid kit
Whistle to signal for help
Dust mask or cotton t-shirt to help filter air
Moist towelettes
Tools including wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
Plastic sheeting and duct tape to create “in-place” shelter
Mylar blankets
Garbage bags and plastic ties
Family necessities including important documents, daily prescriptions, eyeglasses, contact lenses, infant formula and diapers, wipes.
Cell phone, disaster plan, map of local area for evacuation
Clothing
Money
Books, coloring books, crayons and/or small games for children


For more information on where to donate or volunteer, you can contact the following agencies:
American Red Cross (redcross.org)
1-800-HELP NOW (435-7669)
Guide Star (guidestar.org)
(757) 229-4631
Salvation Army (salvationarmyusa.org)
1-800-SAL-ARMY (725-2769)
United Way (unitedway.org)
(703) 836-7100

© 2009 Julie Watson Smith
Julie Watson Smith, MHS, is a Leadership Mentor and the founder of Character Clubs, an enrichment program designed to inspire character, confidence and community in kids, ages 3-13. Julie is a vocal advocate for creating a culture of character that helps children learn to lead at home, school and in the world. To start a conversation of character in your home, check out her workbook, Karmic Acts of Character.