Back to School Means Back to Safety: What Every Child Should Know
The backpacks are packed, classrooms are full again, and another school year is underway. Along with checking homework, lunchboxes, and school supplies, there is another conversation parents should have at home: What should my child do if an emergency happens at school?
We do not have to frighten our children to prepare them. We can give them simple instructions they can remember when they are scared, confused, or separated from the adults they know. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends talking with children about school safety in ways appropriate for their age and developmental level.
Teach Your Child These Safety Basics
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Listen to the teacher or trusted adult immediately. During an emergency, this is not the time to argue, investigate, or follow friends. Follow directions quickly.
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Know when to be quiet. Explain that during some emergencies, being completely silent may be an important part of staying safe.
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Do not go looking for siblings or friends. As difficult as this sounds, children should remain with their class or follow the school's emergency instructions. School officials have procedures for accounting for students.
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Know important information from memory. Children who are old enough should know their full name, a parent's full name, at least one telephone number, and their home city. FEMA encourages families to create a communication plan so everyone knows how to reconnect during an emergency.
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Report concerning behavior. Teach your child that if someone talks about hurting people, makes a serious threat, brings a dangerous item to school, or posts something alarming online, they should tell a trusted adult immediately. Reporting something concerning is not "snitching." It may protect someone.
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Do not leave a safe location just because a phone rings or a message arrives. Children should continue following instructions from school personnel or emergency responders.
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Know the family reunification plan. Parents should learn where their school plans to reunite families after a major emergency and explain that plan to their children. The American Academy of Pediatrics specifically encourages families to prepare ahead for how they will reconnect if children are away from home when an emergency occurs.
Parents, Ask Your School Questions Too
Do you know your child's school's emergency procedures? Where will students go if the building must be evacuated? How will parents be notified? Where is the reunification location? What should parents not do during an emergency?
The U.S. Department of Education emphasizes comprehensive school emergency planning, regular review of those plans, training, and age appropriate exercises.
Most importantly, practice at home without creating fear. Ask your child simple questions such as, "What would you do if your teacher told everyone to become quiet immediately?" or "Who would you tell if another student said something that made you feel unsafe?"
Prepared children are not children who live in fear. They are children who have been given information, practiced what to do, and know which adults they can trust.
Learn More
Parents can find free preparedness information and family planning tools through FEMA Ready Kids and Ready.gov, including a children's family communication plan.
SchoolSafety.gov provides federal resources for families, educators, and communities on school safety and emergency preparedness.
The American Academy of Pediatrics' HealthyChildren.org offers guidance for talking to children about school emergencies, safety drills, traumatic events, and family preparedness.
Our children deserve to enjoy school, learn, laugh, make friends, and come home safely. Preparation is not about creating fear. It is about giving our children a plan when seconds matter.
Mizz Phine
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