For parents, the physical and emotional safety of children is especially important during any emergency situation. 

Make sure you know if your child: 

• Carries the names and numbers (home, work, pager, cell phone, e-mail) of family and an out of town contact. 
• Knows emergency procedure, including how to call 911. 
• Knows where to meet in case of an emergency. 
• Knows how to recognize danger signals, such as fire alarms.

Visit with your child's school and talk with school officials.

• Know your child's school emergency procedures. 
• Make sure the school has emergency numbers (home, work, pager, cell and e-mail). 
• Keep information current on how to reach the parent or other caregiver for pick up. 
• Know the type of authorization your child's school requires  to release your child to someone other than a parent.

Also, take these precautions:

• Make sure your baby-sitter knows emergency procedures, including contact name and numbers and how to summons emergency assistance if needed. 
• Limit your child's TV viewing of news and raw footage of emergencies or disasters.

Return to Be Prepared