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Children's Disaster Preparedness

Contact: Florida Health

Supporting Children During Disasters

Woman preparing a child with a maskChildren are especially vulnerable during emergencies, as disasters can create fear, uncertainty, and disruption to their daily lives. As a parent or caregiver, your guidance and reassurance are essential in helping them feel safe and prepared. By taking proactive steps—such as creating a family emergency plan, assembling a child-friendly emergency kit, and maintaining open communication—you can help your child navigate these situations with greater confidence and resilience.

Below we provide practical tips and trusted resources to support your child before, during, and after a disaster. With preparation and a calm approach, you can empower your family to stay safe and recover more easily when emergencies arise.

  • Understanding Your Child’s Experience
  • Creating an Emergency Plan and Building a Child-Friendly Kit
  • Supporting Your Child During and After a Disaster
  • Helpful Resources for Parents

Children may feel scared or anxious during a disaster, it’s important to acknowledge their feelings and provide reassurance by:

  • Recognizing their emotions and letting them know it’s okay to be scared.
  • Using age-appropriate language:
    • Young children (3 to 7): Keep explanations simple—for example, “Sometimes big storms or earthquakes happen, and we have a plan to stay safe.”
    • Older children (8 to 12): Provide more details and answer their questions without overwhelming them.
    • Teenagers: Encourage open discussions and involve them in planning.

A clear emergency plan reduces anxiety and ensures everyone knows what to do during a disaster. To build your plan, consider these essentials:

  • Plan Essentials:
    • Identify safe spots at home (away from windows) and in the community (such as a park or relative’s home).
    • Establish a communication plan with key contacts, including an out-of-town person.
    • Practice drills regularly so everyone is familiar with the process.
  • Child-Friendly Kit:Child with Teddy Bear
    • Essentials: water, non-perishable snacks, a basic first aid kit, and a flashlight with extra batteries
    • Comfort Items: A favorite stuffed toy, blanket, or book.
    • Personal Items: Any necessary medications, important documents, and a list of emergency contacts.

For more detailed guidance on creating your emergency plan and preparing your emergency kit, please visit our Make a Plan page and Build a Kit page.

During an emergency, stay calm and give clear instructions like “Let’s go to our safe spot now.” After the event, encourage your child to share their feelings, re-establish routines to bring back a sense of normalcy, and monitor for any prolonged anxiety, seeking professional help if needed.

Every step you take in preparing and supporting your family builds resilience, helping your children face emergencies with confidence and strength.

Preparing for and dealing with disasters can be challenging, but you’re not alone. The following resources offer valuable information, support, and guidance:

  • Ready.gov:
    Ready.gov provides comprehensive tips on disaster preparedness for families, including how to create emergency plans and build kits.
  • Ready.gov for Kids:
    Ready.gov/Kids offers child-friendly activities, games, and educational materials to help explain disasters in a non-threatening way.
  • American Red Cross:
    RedCross.org offers advice on emergency preparedness, disaster response, and recovery resources tailored for families.
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
    CDC Emergency Preparedness and Response provides guidance on various emergencies and public health preparedness.
  • Local Emergency Services:
    County Emergency Management information to contact your local emergency management office or community centers for localized information and training opportunities.

Readiness Starts with You

Emergencies may be unpredictable, but your preparation can make all the difference in how your child copes. By developing a solid emergency plan, assembling essential supplies, and maintaining open conversations, you help build their confidence and resilience in the face of uncertainty.

Preparedness is an ongoing process—regularly review your plans, practice drills, and update emergency kits to ensure your family remains ready for any situation. Taking these proactive steps not only enhances safety but also teaches children valuable life skills that will serve them well into adulthood.

Stay prepared, stay informed, and remember—every effort you make today strengthens your family’s safety and well-being for the future.

Note: The links and content provided on this page are for your convenience and informational purposes. The Florida Department of Health (DOH) doesn't endorse or approve any products, services, or opinions. We're not responsible for the content or accuracy of external sites. If you have questions, please reach out to the external site directly.