Why this matters
Plan reunification across home, school, childcare and separated households. Make sure children know their full name, trusted adults and what to do if phones fail, at a level appropriate to them.
Explain hazards honestly using short, concrete language. Children may show stress through sleep, play, behaviour, physical complaints or withdrawal. Familiar adults, routines and opportunities to play are protective.
Before disruption
Prepare now
- Confirm school and childcare emergency, closure and collection procedures.
- Create identification and contact information that protects privacy but can help reunification.
- Practise alarms, exits and one simple role without using frightening simulations.
- Pack suitable food, medicine, hygiene, clothing, learning and comfort items.
- Invite young people to identify risks, communication methods and supplies relevant to them.
When it is happening
Protect the next decision
- Keep children with known safe adults whenever possible and explain each next step.
- Limit exposure to graphic news, repeated adult speculation and responsibilities beyond their capacity.
- Maintain food, medicine, sleep, play and contact routines as conditions allow.
- Seek professional help for immediate danger, severe distress, inability to function or safeguarding concerns.
Plan for real people
Access, care and inclusion
- Adapt communication for developmental, sensory, learning and language needs.
- Plan infant feeding and care using current public-health guidance and safe water.
- Include children in care, shared custody, temporary housing or without reliable documents.
- Respect adolescents’ privacy, autonomy, online safety and need for peer connection.
Mental readiness
Protect morale and clear thinking
- Keep a small activity pack with cards, pencils, a familiar story, puzzle or comfort toy.
- Offer choices between two safe options to restore a sense of control.
- Name feelings without forcing conversation, and make time for play and ordinary humour.
Common mistakes
What to avoid
- Telling children nothing and leaving them to interpret adult fear.
- Making a child responsible for an adult’s emotional stability or essential medical care.
- Sharing identifiable images or stories of distressed children without proper consent and safeguarding.
Evidence and review
Sources behind this guide
Prepare Now uses authoritative government, humanitarian and public-health material as a starting point. Source advice can be specific to a country, hazard or date, so check the current version for your location.
- Make a PlanNew Zealand National Emergency Management Agency
- Civil Protection Family PlanMexico CENAPRED
- Kit de EmergenciaChile SENAPRED
- Psychological First Aid: Guide for Field WorkersWorld Health Organization
Editorial status: first staging edition. Safety-critical instructions will receive specialist and jurisdiction review before public launch.