earthquakes are and how they feel in terms that your children will understand. Teach children what to do wherever they are during an earthquake, be it home, school, outdoors or in a tall building. Show children the safest places to be in each room when an earthquake hits. Also show them all possible exits from each room (including windows). Use sturdy tables to teach children how to “Drop, Cover and Hold.” Make sure your child’s emergency card is up to date at school. Conduct drills with the entire family and review safety procedures every six months. Although children should not turn off any utility valves, it is important that they know what gas smells like. Contact your local utility company for programs that teach children what to do in the event of a gas leak. Advise your child to always tell you if they smell gas.

You can create a family disaster plan and practice it so that everyone will remember what to do when a disaster does occur. Contact your local emergency management or civil defense office, or your local Red Cross chapter for materials that describe how your family can create a disaster plan. Everyone in the household, including children, should play a part in the family's response and recovery efforts. Assemble a disaster supply kit and store it in a convenient place.

Help your child memorize important family information. Children should memorize their family name, address and phone number. They should also know where to meet in case of an emergency. Some children may not be old enough to memorize the information. They could carry a small index card that lists emergency information to give to an adult or babysitter.

After the Disaster: Time for Recovery

Immediately after the disaster, try to reduce your child's fear and anxiety. Keep the family together. While you look for housing and assistance, you may want to leave your children with relatives or friends. Instead, keep the family together as much as possible and make children a part of what you are doing to get the family back on its feet. Children get anxious, and they'll worry that their parents won't return.

Calmly and firmly explain the situation. As best as you can, tell children what you know about the disaster. Explain what will happen next. For example, say, "Tonight, we will all stay together in the shelter." Get down to the child's eye level and talk to him or her.

Encourage children to talk. Let children talk about the disaster and ask questions as much as they want. Encourage children to describe what they're feeling. Listen to what they say. If possible, include the entire family in the discussion.

Include children in recovery activities. Give children chores that are their responsibility. This will help children feel they are part of the recovery. Having a task will help them understand that everything will be all right.

You can help children cope by understanding what causes their anxieties and fears. Reassure them with firmness and love. Your children will realize that life will eventually return to normal. If a child does not respond to the above suggestions, seek help from a mental health specialist or a member of the clergy.

From "Helping Children Cope With Disaster."

developed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the American Red Cross.