In an Emergency: Information Poster
Help ensure your children know what to do in an emergency by familiarising them with the number to call. Discuss how to dial 000 for help and then practice.
IN AN EMERGENCY: INFORMATION POSTER
April 15, 2024
Article Written By:
Christine
ECT/ Lead Educator at Kids Club Collins St
Christine is dedicated to instilling a love for learning in children by cultivating warm, secure educational environments. Believing in the power of play, she designs engaging, child-centred curriculums that foster academic readiness and cater to each child’s unique interests and ideas.
Teaching children about emergencies need not be a daunting endeavor. In fact, it can be an engaging and enlightening experience.
During their foundational years, children are remarkably receptive, readily absorbing essential skills and knowledge. One critical lesson we can impart is how to comprehend and respond to emergencies.
Items and Equipment Needed
You may need these items for them to be prepared in an emergency:- Emergency Contact Sheet – A sheet to fill in important details like your home address, emergency contact numbers, and any other relevant information.
- Home Phone or Mobile Phone – To practise dialling the emergency number, which is 000.
- Printed Posters – Download and print the emergency preparedness poster here.
- Tape or Adhesive – To affix the poster next to the home phone and near the front and back doors.
- Stopwatch or Timer – Useful for timing evacuation drills to track improvement and add a sense of urgency.
Method/Steps
This step-by-step process will show you how to prepare your children for emergencies whilst keeping the process interactive and engaging:- Gather essential items like the Contact Sheet, phone, posters, tape, and a stopwatch. Then, choose a quiet and distraction-free spot in your home to conduct the activity.
- During the briefing, emphasise the critical nature of emergencies and the vital role the ‘000’ (or your local emergency number) plays in ensuring swift assistance when needed.
- Engage the kids by guiding them to dial the emergency number, adding a playful element by timing them. Afterwards, collaboratively fill out the Contact Sheet to ensure they’re familiar with essential details.
- Strategically position the posters near the phone and main entrances. Ensure they’re firmly secured using tape to remain easily accessible and visible.
- Provide a concise briefing to the kids about the evacuation procedure. As they carry out the drill, use the stopwatch to time their evacuation, making the process both instructive and engaging.
- Engage in a discussion about the outcomes and observations from the drill. Emphasise the importance of consistent practice to ensure readiness and familiarity with emergency procedures.
Final Words or Additional Information
In the early years of childhood, our little ones are like sponges, absorbing knowledge and skills that will serve them throughout their lives. One of the most crucial lessons we can impart is the knowledge of what to do in an emergency.
This activity is a must-do for every family as it helps:
- Physical Skill Development: Dialling a phone number might seem simple to us, but for young children, it’s a motor skill that needs practice. By teaching them to dial emergency numbers, we’re honing their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
- Cognitive Growth: Understanding different emergency scenarios and the appropriate responses requires critical thinking. By practising various situations, children learn to differentiate between them and apply the right solution.
- Psychological Confidence: Familiarity breeds confidence. When children are prepared, they feel more in control and less anxious about unexpected events. This boosts their self-esteem and resilience.
- Safety Awareness: Discussing emergencies doesn’t scare children; it empowers them. They become more alert and aware of their surroundings, fostering a sense of responsibility.
- Family Bonding: This activity isn’t just about emergencies; it’s about spending quality time together. It’s an opportunity to bond, communicate, and ensure that every family member is on the same page.
- Lifesaving Knowledge: The importance of this activity cannot be overstated. The knowledge and skills your child gains could potentially save their life or the life of someone else.
If you want to learn more, call Kids Club Early Childhood Learning Centres or book a tour now of your closest Kids Club Early Learning Centre, click here to view your closest Centre.
As the leading provider of early childhood care in Australia we always put your child first. We are committed to 7 National Quality Standards.
Updated 2 July, 2024
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