All families need to have safety plans that all family members know about in case of emergency.
For example, if a smoke alarm goes off, your children need to know to exit the house and wait in an
assigned location for more instructions. They should also know the location of fire extinguishers
and the location ladders to get out of windows if needed.
When children have experienced very scary experiences, it is especially important
for them to know that there are plans to keep them safe in case of emergency. Reassure your
child that you will take care of him and he will be safe. But avoid providing constant
reassurance. This can make your child more anxious and worried. If your child is constantly
seeking reassurance about safety, it may be time to get professional help for worry or PTSD.
