Emergency Preparedness Games for Kids
Most parents expect to be around when their children need them. They go almost everywhere with their children and make sure they are within a phone call's reach when they can't be with them. An emergency, such as an earthquake or a tornado, can turn things upside down in a flash. In these situations, preparation can make the difference between life and death. Games and fun activities can engage your child with such preparation.
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Word Games
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It is important for kids to know the vocabulary associated with different kinds of disasters and what specific phrases mean. Games, such as word searches and crossword puzzles, can help them learn words they need to know. Many online sites, such as FEMA.gov, provide these types of games. The bright visuals and audio can make these games a lot more attractive than the simple pencil and paper versions.
Board Games
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Board games can be used to teach children skills and information they will need in an emergency. Players can earn points and advance on a game board by choosing the right action to undertake in a particular situation. FEMA has a board game named Disaster Discovery that can be played online or downloaded and printed out. Emergency Products Warehouse also offers the Emergency Strategy Game available for purchase online.
Video Games
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Children love video games. "The Day the Earth Shook," created by the Illinois Emergency Management Agency, is an online video game that simulates a disaster situation and guides kids through the experience. In the process of playing the game, kids learn what to pack in an emergency kit and what to do when disaster strikes. Many local governments and police departments provide online interactive games that help children learn about everyday safety as well as what to do in an emergency.
Active Games
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Active games can involve simulations of emergency scenarios, such as an earthquake drill where you duck and cover or stand in a doorway, or a tornado drill where you hide under the stairs or in a bathtub or basement. You could also have a race to see who can get out of the house and meet at the pre-designated area first. To get the kids involved in disaster prevention, have a Hunt for Hazards game where they go through the home and spot potential hazards, such as a water heater that's not strapped down in an earthquake zone and/or flammable liquids stored nearby.
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