It can be overwhelming as a parent to think of all the things that could potentially happen to your family. From disease to theft to natural disaster, or even the family car, there are a lot of things to be worried about. However, you can combat much of that fear by being prepared for whatever comes your way. Here are a few simple ways to help your family feel prepared and safe.
Have a plan. Discuss as a family what you would each do if there was a fire, earthquake, tornado, or any other emergency. Make sure everyone knows what to do in each scenario. Establish a family meeting place away from your house where you can meet after the disaster, such as the mailbox down the street or the park around the corner.
Keep essentials on hand. Make sure every member of your family has an emergency kit full of food, water, first aid, and other essentials. The kits should be easy to carry so that they can be quickly grabbed when you are in a rush. Be sure to go through the kits regularly to replace expired food and exchange spare clothing for items in your child?s current size. Make sure your car also has an updated emergency kit.
Get a security system. There are many types of security systems today so that practically any budget can afford some kind of service. Even a simple security system can alert you to intruders or natural disasters in your home.
Teach children stranger safety. Make sure your children know from an early age that they shouldn?t talk to or go with a stranger. Many families give each child a secret ?safe word? that adults or strangers can tell them that lets the child know it is safe to go with them. Teach your children from an early age what they should do if they feel unsafe, such as screaming or running to someone they know.
Talk to children. It may be a scary thing to talk about, but discussing potential disasters or emergencies with your children can prepare them if anything does happen. Have a discussion that is age appropriate, but make sure your children feel comfortable asking questions or coming to you if they feel scared or unsafe.
