Educating and preparing your children ahead of time means fewer surprises in the event of an emergency.

Growing Up Prepared: Empowering Youth in Disaster Preparedness

As we observe National Preparedness Month, it’s crucial to remember that disasters can strike at any moment, affecting everyone in a community – including our children. With kids making up nearly a quarter of the U.S. population, involving them in emergency planning isn’t just smart; it’s essential for building resilient communities.

Many parents wonder if they should shield their children from the reality of disasters. Experts agree that open, honest communication is key. Children are observant and can sense when something’s amiss. By discussing potential emergencies, you can address their concerns and dispel irrational fears.

When talking to kids about disasters:

• Take cues from your child and answer their questions directly
• Use age-appropriate language and concepts
• Be honest, even if it means saying “I don’t know”
• Limit exposure to frightening images or repeated news coverage

Resources like the free Help Kids Cope App (iOS, Google Play) can guide you through these conversations, offering scripts tailored to different age groups and disaster types.

Making Preparedness Fun and Engaging

Disaster preparedness doesn’t have to be scary or boring. There are numerous ways to make it an enjoyable family activity:

1. Play preparedness games like FEMA’s Disaster Master
2. Create emergency kits together, letting kids choose some comfort items
3. Hold family drills, turning them into engaging scenarios
4. Use interactive tools from Ready.gov’s kids site: Youth.gov

Age-Appropriate Responsibilities and Education

Involving children in preparedness efforts helps them feel empowered and confident. Tailor tasks to their age and abilities:

• Young children can help pack their own “go-bags” or emergency kits, and learn emergency contact numbers
• Older kids can assist in creating family communication plans
• Teens might take first aid courses or join community preparedness programs

Schools can integrate disaster preparedness into various subjects, making it a part of everyday learning.

• Building Essential Skills

  Focus on practical skills that can make a real difference:

  • Basic first aid appropriate for their age
  • How to use emergency communication devices
  • Understanding and identifying local hazards
  • Memorizing important phone numbers and addresses

   

• Technology and Preparedness

  For older children and teens, technology can play a crucial role in preparedness:

  • Introduce apps that provide real-time emergency information
  • Teach them how to use social media responsibly during crises
  • Consider tools like the Kid Case, a pediatric version of emergency medication kits

   

• Youth Preparedness Programs

  Numerous programs offer structured learning experiences:

  • The Red Cross Pillowcase Project (ages 8-11)
  • Teen Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
  • FEMA Youth Preparedness Council

  Participating in multiple programs can significantly enhance a child’s preparedness knowledge and confidence.

   

• Family Involvement

  Preparedness is a family affair. Work together to:

  • Create and regularly practice your family emergency plan
  • Update school records and emergency contact information
  • Engage in community preparedness efforts as a family unit

Emotional Preparedness and Coping Strategies

Preparing children emotionally is just as important as physical preparedness:

• Discuss potential disasters calmly and realistically
• Build confidence through knowledge and preparation
• Understand that children may react differently to stress (e.g., regression in young children, withdrawal in teens)
• Develop coping strategies for before, during, and after disasters

Remember, children who are prepared often experience less anxiety and feel more confident during actual emergencies.

In summary:

Involving youth in disaster preparedness isn’t just about safety – it’s about empowerment. By educating and involving our children, we’re not only preparing them for potential emergencies but also raising a generation of resilient, community-minded individuals.

Start your family’s preparedness journey today. Utilize the wealth of resources available, from government websites to local community programs. Every small step towards preparedness can make a big difference when disaster strikes.

And remember, Jase makes emergency medication kits for the whole family:

• Jase Case (adults)
• Teen Case (ages 12-17)
• KidCase (ages 2-11)

As always, stay safe, stay healthy, and stay prepared. 

– Your partners in preparedness: Jase.com

Small steps today, mean a safer tomorrow for you and your loved ones.

Low-Cost and No-Cost Emergency Preparedness

So far in our series for National Preparedness Month this September, we’ve already covered How to Make an Emergency Plan for Your Household and How to Build a Home Emergency Kit. This week, we’re focusing on low-cost and no-cost measures you can take to enhance your emergency preparedness. Being prepared doesn’t always require a significant financial investment – there are many things you can do that cost little to nothing but can make a big difference in an emergency.

Understanding the Importance of Preparedness

According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), 61 percent of Americans have not created or practiced an emergency plan, while 80 percent live in counties that have experienced natural disasters. With unpredictable weather patterns affecting most of the world, there’s no excuse for not being prepared. Remember, preparation is far less about expensive gear and much more about planning, practice, and controlling panic.

1. Know Your Risks

• Understand what disasters and hazards could affect your area. Visit FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center or check Floodsmart.gov to know your neighborhood’s level of flood risk.
• Plan for the types of disasters that can happen where you live. You may need to prepare for a snowstorm instead of a hurricane.

2. Create Your Emergency Plan (No-Cost)

• Develop a family emergency communication plan. See our recent article on How to Make an Emergency Plan For Your Household.
• Practice emergency drills with your family annually.
• Plan evacuation routes away from flood sources such as rivers, lakes, and ocean fronts.
• If you live in an evacuation zone and would need help evacuating, contact your local emergency manager to see what resources and assistance are available.

3. Stay Informed (No-Cost)

• Sign up for your community’s warning system and emergency alerts.
• Download the FEMA App for local alerts, preparedness tips, and emergency planning information.
• Learn about different emergency alerts, like Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA), NOAA Weather Radio alerts, and the Emergency Alert System (EAS).

4. Learn Life-Saving Skills (Low to No-Cost)

Master the 5 Steps to Save a Life

1. Call 9-1-1

• • Don’t assume someone else has already called
  • Let 911 operators coach you through the situation

2. Stay Safe

1. • Assess the situation using all available senses
   • Decide whether to stay and help or get to safety

3. Stop the Bleeding

1. • Apply steady, firm pressure on the source of bleeding
   • Consider a tourniquet if manual pressure isn’t enough

4. Position the Injured

1. • Lay the injured on their side, legs slightly bent
   • Raise the chin forward with mouth pointed downward

5. Provide Comfort

1. • Share names and ask basic questions
   • Keep them warm and offer a hand to hold

Additional Skills

• Take an in-person or online CPR course. Check online for free or discounted courses.
• Learn how to purify water:
  • Boiling is best
  • Use water purification tablets
  • In emergencies: Use 6 drops of 8.25% bleach or 8 drops of 6% bleach per gallon of water
• Practice “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” techniques for earthquakes

5. Prepare Your Home (Low-Cost)

• Install and/or check the batteries in your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms. Contact your local fire department for possible free smoke detector programs.
• Learn the location of the main electric, water, and gas connections to your home, and how to shut them off.
• Clear loose vegetation and debris from around your house to minimize flying objects during high winds.
• Secure or remove hanging items and loose items on bookshelves, especially in bedrooms, kitchens, and living rooms where you may find yourself during a natural disaster.
• Reinforce the underside of overhanging eaves.
• Make sure rain spouts and gutters are clear of debris.
• Create a 30 to 100-foot safety zone around your home in wildfire-prone areas.

6. Build Your Emergency Kit Gradually (Low-Cost)

• Start with items you already have at home, like flashlights, batteries, bandages, and non-perishable food.
• Add to your kit gradually. Buy an extra item each time you go grocery shopping, especially if it’s on sale.
• Use coupons and shop sales for emergency supplies.
• Buy in bulk and split costs with neighbors or friends.
• Store water in clean, reused containers like 2-liter soda bottles.
• Choose non-perishable foods that you normally eat and enjoy.

7. Protect Important Documents (No-Cost)

• Store important documents (passports, birth certificates, insurance policies) in resealable, waterproof plastic bags on a high shelf or upper floor.
• Digitize important documents for easy access.
• Document or video household items for potential insurance claims.

8. Review Your Insurance (No-Cost, Potential Future Savings)

• Review your home insurance or renter’s policy annually.
• Check what disaster-related expenses are covered.
• Consider adding flood insurance if you’re in a flood-prone area.

9. Community Involvement (No-Cost)

• Join local Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT).
• Participate in neighborhood watch programs.
• Volunteer with local disaster relief organizations.

10. Budget-Friendly Tips

• Make emergency preparedness a regular budget item, even if it’s just $20 a month.
• Request preparedness items as gifts for birthdays or holidays.
• Trade one night out to fund your 72-hour kit. The cost of a family movie night could cover essential supplies.

Remember, any level of preparation is better than none. Start with what you can afford now, because whatever you can do will make you more ready for an emergency. 

Being prepared brings a peace of mind and can make a significant difference in how you and your family weather an emergency. Take the time to prepare now (no matter how small the steps), and you’ll be thankful for you did if an emergency does occur.

Tune in next week for the next part in our National Preparedness Month series, where we will go over teaching youth about preparedness.

As always, stay safe, stay healthy, and stay prepared. 

– Your partners in preparedness: Jase.com

A thoughtfully crafted emergency kit can become a lifeline for your family after a disaster.

How to Build a Home Emergency Kit

In an unpredictable world, being prepared for emergencies is not just a precaution—it’s a necessity. A well-stocked home emergency kit can be a lifeline during natural disasters, power outages, or other unexpected events. This guide will walk you through creating a thorough emergency kit that you can rely on to help keep family safe, comfortable, and self-sufficient during unexpected emergencies.

Emergencies can come in many forms, including:

• Natural disasters (earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, wildfires)
• Severe weather events (blizzards, heat waves)
• Power outages
• Public health emergencies
• Man-made disasters

By preparing for these scenarios, you can reduce stress, ensure your family’s safety, and potentially save lives when an emergency strikes. The goal is to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours (3 days) following a disaster, though many experts recommend preparing for up to two weeks.

The Basics of Emergency Preparedness

Before we dive into the specifics of what to include in your kit, let’s cover some fundamental principles of emergency preparedness:

1. Plan for multiple scenarios: Prepare for both sheltering in place and potential evacuation.
2. Customize for your needs: While we’ll provide a comprehensive list, consider your family’s unique requirements, including medical needs, dietary restrictions, and the specific types of disasters common in your area.
3. Store properly: Keep your supplies in airtight plastic bags and place them in easy-to-carry containers like plastic bins or duffel bags.
4. Maintain your kit: Regularly check and update your supplies, replacing expired items as needed.
5. Multiple kit locations: Consider having kits at home, work, and in your vehicle.

Essential Components of Your Emergency Kit:

1. Water

Water is critical for survival. Store at least one gallon per person per day for a minimum of three days, preferably up to two weeks. Remember:

• An active person needs at least two quarts of water daily for drinking alone.
• Children, nursing mothers, and people with health issues may need more.
• Hot temperatures can double the amount of water needed.
• Additional water is necessary for food preparation and sanitation.

Water storage tips:

• Use thoroughly washed plastic, fiberglass, or enamel-lined containers.
• Avoid containers that can break or have held toxic substances.
• Seal containers tightly, label them, and store in a cool, dark place.
• Date each container and replace stored water every six months.

2. Food

Stock non-perishable food to last at least three days, preferably up to two weeks. Choose foods that require no refrigeration, preparation, or cooking, and little to no water. Options include:

• Canned meats, fruits, and vegetables
• Protein or fruit bars
• Dry cereal or granola
• Peanut butter
• Dried fruit and nuts
• Crackers
• Canned juices
• Non-perishable pasteurized milk
• Comfort/stress foods
• Infant formula and baby food (if applicable)

Don’t forget a manual can opener, basic utensils, and cooking tools.

3. Medications

Prescription Medications

Having an adequate supply of medications is crucial in an emergency situation. This is where the our Jase Daily becomes invaluable. Jase Daily offers an extended supply of your existing prescriptions for chronic conditions, ensuring you have the medications you need during an emergency. This service helps you maintain:

At least one month supply of prescription medications for conditions such as:

• • High blood pressure
  • Diabetes
  • Asthma
  • Thyroid disorders
  • Mental health conditions

Emergency Medications

For emergency medications, the Jase Case is an excellent solution. This customizable emergency medication kit can include:

• Antibiotics for common infections
• Epinephrine auto-injectors (EpiPens) for severe allergic reactions
• Malaria medication for those in or traveling to high-risk areas
• Medications to counter bio-terror agents like Anthrax

Remember: A Jase Case ensures you’re prepared for a wide range of medical emergencies when access to healthcare might be limited.

4. First Aid Kit

In addition to the Jase Case, maintain a comprehensive first aid kit including:

• Adhesive bandages of various sizes
• Sterile gauze pads
• Adhesive tape
• Elastic bandage (Ace wrap)
• Scissors and tweezers
• Safety pins
• Disposable gloves
• Antiseptic wipes
• Antibiotic ointment
• Pain relievers (acetaminophen, ibuprofen)
• Antidiarrheal medication
• Antacids
• Insect bite relief pads
• First aid manual

5. Tools and Supplies

• Flashlights with extra batteries
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio if possible)
• Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery
• Multi-purpose tool or basic tools (wrench, pliers, screwdriver)
• Matches in a waterproof container
• Whistle to signal for help
• Dust masks, scissors, and plastic sheeting
• Duct tape
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Paper and pencil
• Books, games, puzzles, or other activities

6. Clothing and Bedding

• Complete change of clothing appropriate for your climate
• Sturdy shoes
• Jacket or coat
• Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
• Hat, gloves, and thermal underwear for cold climate

7. Important Documents

Store copies of important documents in a waterproof, portable container:

• Identification (driver’s license, passport)
• Insurance policies
• Bank account records
• Emergency contact information
• Medical information (prescriptions, allergies)
• Birth certificates
• Social Security cards
• Deeds or mortgages
• Wills and estate papers

Consider storing electronic copies in a password-protected format on a removable drive or secure cloud-based service.

8. Special Considerations

For the Elderly:

• Extra supply of prescription medications (easily secured with Jase Daily)
• List of all medications, dosages, and allergies
• Contact information for doctors and family members
• Copies of medical insurance and Medicare cards
• Medical devices (oxygen, glucose meter, blood pressure monitor) with backup power sources
• Mobility aids (cane, walker, wheelchair) and extra batteries for motorized equipment
• Incontinence supplies
• Denture needs and supplies
• Special nutrition or meal replacement drinks
• Backup pair of eyeglasses and hearing aids with extra batteries
• Comfort items like a favorite sweater or jacket, or family photos
• Large-print documents for those with vision impairments

For Babies and Young Children:

• Diapers and wipes
• Formula and bottles
• Powdered milk
• Medications
• Books, games, electronics (Remember tablets are great until the battery dies and there’s no power to recharge it)

For Pets:

• Food and water (two-week supply)
• Medications
• Leash, harness, and carrier
• Documents (vaccination, registration, microchip information)
• Sanitation items

9. Making Emergency Preparedness a Family Activity

Building your emergency kit can be an excellent opportunity for family bonding and education. By involving all family members in the process, you can:

1. Ensure everyone’s needs are considered
2. Teach children about emergency preparedness
3. Create a sense of ownership and responsibility
4. Customize the kit to your family’s specific requirements

Consider allowing each family member, especially children, to create their own “mini-kit” in addition to the main household kit. These personal kits can contain items that provide comfort, maintain habits and hobbies, and address individual needs during an emergency.

10. Storing Your Emergency Kit

• Keep your kit in a designated place and have it ready in case you have to leave your home quickly.
• Make sure all family members know where the kit is kept.
• Keep a smaller version of the emergency supply kit in your vehicle.
• Store items in airtight plastic bags and put your entire disaster supplies kit in one or two easy-to-carry containers such as plastic bins or a duffel bag.

11. Maintaining Your Kit

After assembling your kit, maintain it so it’s ready when needed:

• Keep canned food in a cool, dry place.
• Store boxed food in tightly closed plastic or metal containers.
• Replace expired items as needed.
• Re-think your needs every year and update your kit as your family’s needs change.
• Review your supplies at least every six months.

Creating an adequate home emergency kit is an essential step in preparing for unexpected situations. By involving the whole family in the process, you not only ensure that everyone’s needs are met but also create an educational opportunity and foster a sense of preparedness and resilience.

Remember to regularly check and update your kit, including rotating perishable items and adjusting contents as your family’s needs change. And with a Jase Case for emergency medications, and Jase Daily for your extended supply of chronic medications you can ensure that your medication needs are covered in any situation.

Being prepared brings peace of mind and can make a significant difference in how you and your family weather an emergency. Take the time to prepare now, and you’ll be thankful for your foresight if an emergency does occur.

Tune in next week for the next part in our National Preparedness Month series, where we will go over low cost, and no-cost emergency preparedness solutions and ideas.

– Your partners in preparedness: Jase.com