Trauma: Kids can help in preparing for disasters.

http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=58812

Kids Can Overcome Fears as They Help Prepare for a Future Disaster 

Release Date: October 15, 2011
Release Number: 4025-070
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HARRISBURG, Pa. -- When kids go through a storm or tornado or other kind of disaster they may feel helpless, experts with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) say. Even if they do not experience it themselves, seeing or hearing about what happened to a friend or classmate can be unsettling. Helping plan for their own family in case of a disaster can help kids overcome their fears.
Let children help put together a family disaster kit. Have them list what you will need to put in your kit in order to be prepared. Take them with you to shop for items you do not have in the house.
Here are the basic emergency supplies for a basic family disaster kit:

• Three-day supply of non-perishable food.
• Three-day supply of water - one gallon of water per person, per day.
• Portable, battery-powered radio or television and extra batteries.
• Flashlight and extra batteries.
• First aid kit and manual.
• Sanitation and hygiene items (moist towelettes and toilet paper).
• Matches and waterproof container.
• Whistle.
• Extra clothing.
• Kitchen accessories and cooking utensils, including a can opener.
• Photocopies of credit and identification cards.
• Cash and coins.
• Special needs items, such as prescription medications, eye glasses, contact lens solutions, and hearing aid batteries.
• Items for infants, such as formula, diapers, bottles, and pacifiers.
• Other items to meet your unique family needs (pet supplies, for example).

If you live in a cold climate, think about how you will keep warm if you lose power. You will need warm clothing and bedding supplies. Be sure to include one complete change of clothing and shoes per person, including:

• Jacket or coat.
• Long pants and long sleeve shirt.
• Sturdy shoes.
• Hat, mittens, and scarf.
• Sleeping bag or warm blanket (per person).

For more information and for activities for children in preparing and coping with a disaster go online at www.ready.gov/kids.
FEMA's mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.