EMERGENCY SAFETY TIPS:

These tips address situations such as hurricanes, floods, and earth quakes. Yet, these tips are vital to everyday safety as well. You never know when your child may be lost or in an auto accident, just a few of the everyday emergencies that can occur.

1.    Children need to wear emergency ID

All children (infants to 12) should wear up-to-date, discreet personal ID at all times.  You never know when an emergency may strike.  Chomp’s InvestiGATOR ID Kit fits on the child’s shoe, or belt and so it is ALWAYS with the child. It is the safety link between a child and a parent. (Caution: necklace IDs are a choking hazard for children 3 and under).

2.    Provide complete information on the IDs.

IDs should contain three to four emergency numbers: two parent or guardian cell phones, a primary phone number of an in-town emergency contact, and a primary phone number of an out-of-town emergency contact. The last two numbers are in case you cannot be reached due to downed cellular towers, injury, etc. Review these contacts with your children, though they may not be able to provide their names and numbers when asked, the will recognize the names when repeated to them from the ID and will be comforted by a familiar name. Any medical conditions or allergies should also be listed on the ID, along with date of birth.

3.    Designate emergency contacts/care providers.

Parents should designate one, in-town and one, out-of-town emergency contact/care provider for their child. Parents should provide the designated contact/care provider with a medical release form for the child signed by the parents or guardians, allowing the emergency contact/care provider can authorize medical treatment in the parents’ absence.  Be sure to include the parents’ contact information, copies of child’s medical history/records, insurance card, physician’s name and contact numbers, etc. with the release form.

4.     Carry current photos of your child.

Parents should always carry current photos of their child in their wallet. One close-up and one full body photo is ideal. Parents should also carry a current ID card, such as the one provided in the Chomp’s InvestiGATOR ID Kit, with all the child’s vital statistics. The information should be updated every six months. Keep children’s fingerprints and DNA samples in a safe, dry place in your home and bring them with you if you need to evacuate.

5.    Take a picture.

In an emergency situation, take a picture of your child with your cell phone camera. It will be current (that day’s clothing, hair cut, etc.) and easily available.

6.    Play “What do I look like?”

If you have time and the child is old enough, play a game of “What do I look like?” before you leave your home. Have your children recite their parents’ names, describe what they look like and what they are wearing. Parents take a careful look at what their child is wearing that day too.

7.    Instruct children to identify “Helpful Strangers.”

Instruct children to identify “Helpful Strangers” if they are separated from their parents or in another emergency situation. These strangers can assist a child when they need help. Mothers with children and uniformed police are the best helpful strangers and easiest for a small child to identify. Teach children to show their ID to a “Helpful Stranger” in an emergency situation. Teach them that their ID is their safety link between them and their parents.

8.    Talk with your child.

Explain what is happening and what you are planning to do. Explain that the child and their safety are the most important thing and that you, the parent, will do all you can to protect them, but that it is a serious situation and you all need to be prepared.

9.    Have a plan.

Have discussions with everyone in the family about what to do if family members become separated. Emergency contacts need to be part of the plan too.