Richard Froese
South Peace News
Faust RCMP encourage parents to start teaching their children at an early age how to properly respond to an emergency.
It is important to start when children are young, acting detachment commander Cpl. Dennis Kerr states in a news release April 30.
“Teaching children how to recognize an emergency, how to stay calm and how to call for help is a crucial part of keeping them safe,” Kerr says.
“Whether they are at home, at school or out in the community, knowing what to do can empower them to act quickly and responsibly.”
Police offer several tips to help parents and caregivers know when and how to talk to children about emergencies.
-Children as young as five years of age can begin to understand basic safety skills and how to react in different emergency situations.
Whether it’s a medical emergency, fire or suspicious activity, having a plan helps children feel confident and prepared.
-Teach children that while helping in an emergency is important.
They should never put themselves is danger because staying safe is always the first step.
-Show children how to use a telephone to connect to 911 and explain what kind of emergencies require that call.
Make sure children can provide relevant information during the phone call including details of the event, full names, address and the phone number of a parent or guardian.
-Role play different emergency situations – like someone getting injured, a fire in a home or a stranger at the door – and talk through the steps they should take.
-Make sure children know how to exit the house safely, where to meet outside, and who to contact if they can’t reach parents and guardians.
-Help your children understand who they can trust in a crisis such as police officers, firefighters and other first responders.
-Post a list of emergency contacts near the phone or on the fridge in case a child needs quick access during a stressful moment.
-Revisit emergency plans regularly and treat the conversation as a normal part of staying safe – just like wearing a seatbelt or looking both ways before crossing the street.
Familiarizing children with emergency situations can reduce panic or fear in a real event.