Children need disaster preparation

Children need disaster preparation

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind., Sept. 7 (UPI) -- A U.S. family-science professor said talking in advance to children in a realistic -- but calm -- manner is the best way to prepare them for a disaster.

"Give children enough information that they feel empowered to know what to do in an emergency," Judith Myers-Walls, of Purdue University, said in a statement. "Don't rely on one big talk but instead look for teachable moments, because you will have to present these lessons repeatedly through the years."

Myers-Walls said it is important to increase awareness but not feed fear. For example, tornado drills can be monthly basement picnics during which the family plays board games lit by flashlight.

"That's not scary," said Meyer-Walls," and it fosters family togetherness, whether or not that family ever has to face that emergency."

Meyer-Walls advised letting children know that:

-- They can ask questions, even difficult or uncomfortable ones.

-- Television brings helpful information in an emergency but also fear-inducing titillation.

-- A disaster is highly unlikely to strike home but if it does, their parents will do everything they can to keep them safe.

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