Including your children when discussing and developing your plan is of the utmost importance. Follow these tips during the development of your plan:

• Include your children in family discussions and planning for emergency safety
• Teach children their basic personal information so they can identify themselves and get help if they become separated from a parent or guardian
• Prepare an emergency card with information for each child, including his/her full name, address, phone number, parent’s work number and out of state contact
• Know the policies of the school or daycare center your children attend. Make plans to have someone pick them up if you are unable to get to them
• Regularly update your child’s school with current emergency information and persons authorized to pick up your children from school
• Teach children how to dial home and 9-1-1
• Role play with children on what to say if calling 9-1-1
• Make sure children know the location of an alternate meeting site
• Warn children never to touch wires on a pole or lying on the ground
• Role play with children on how to remain calm during an emergency