Explaining the possibility of an emergency evacuation to small children can seem like a daunting task for parents. It can be hard to explain in terms that make sense without scaring them or causing added stress for children and parents alike. Still, it’s important to be honest and clear with children and provide them with the right amount of information for their current age and maturity level.

Understanding Disasters
Use children’s books to explain the idea of thunderstorms, hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, and other natural disasters. There are many great options out there that will do a good job explaining what happens. You can also talk about which disasters are things that they probably will never see and which are more common, but can sometimes be harmless (like a thunderstorm).

Discuss Preparedness
Be sure that children understand that parents make plans for these situations to keep everyone safe and that there are lots of other people, like rescue workers, whose job is to help families in emergencies. We make plans not because we think bad things will happen, but because they can help keep everyone safe if something does.

Be Clear
Things that seem obvious to adults can be the missing piece for small children. Be sure to explain clearly that evacuations and disasters are temporary. You’re leaving until things are safe again and then you can come home. It can be tough for children to understand time, so be patient as they struggle to grasp what two weeks equates to in their mind, or how long it will be until they can return home. Evacuations are stressful for everyone, but for children who don’t fully understand what is happening, they can be extremely scary. Reassure and then reassure again that disasters are bad, but usually happen quickly and are over. Things will be normal again.