Survival guides · Family & Communication

Kids and School

WHEN TO USE THISYour kids may be at school or daycare when it happens. Know the plan before you need it.

1. Know the school's plan

   • Ask: where do they shelter? Where do they evacuate to? How do they tell parents?
   • Who can pick your child up? Two local adults besides you.
   • Update the school's emergency card every year.

2. Teach the basics

   • Their full name, your full names, home address.
   • One phone number by heart.
   • Practice fire, earthquake and tornado — in words they can handle.
   • "Every emergency has a plan, and grown-ups will help." Skip the scary details.

3. A card in the backpack

   • Name and birthday. Your names and numbers. The out-of-area contact.
   • Allergies and medicines. The meeting points.
   • Little kids: a tag sewn or clipped inside the jacket, with your number.

4. Picking them up after

   • Don't drive to the school unless they tell you to.
   • Schools lock down and release kids in order — showing up adds chaos.
   • Wait for the school's message. Can't reach them? Go to their reunification site.

Sources: FEMA Post-Disaster Reunification of Children Guide · American Red Cross School Preparedness

General information to help in an emergency — not a substitute for training or professional care.