Preparing Children for Emergencies — A Parent's Guide

Why Preparing Children Matters

Children absorb stress from their parents and surroundings. Age-appropriate preparation reduces fear and gives children a sense of control. Research shows that children who have been prepared in advance react more calmly during an actual event and recover faster afterward.

Home Front Command and Magen David Adom emphasize: do not wait for the next siren. Open conversation and practice during routine times are the best tools available.

Age-Appropriate Conversations

Ages 2-5: Simple and Reassuring

Use simple words: “When we hear the sound, we go to the safe room”
Make it a game — “Who can get to the room first?”
Use dolls or drawings to demonstrate
Emphasize: “Mom and Dad are with you, you are safe”
No need to explain rockets or war at this age

Ages 6-10: Basic Explanation

Briefly explain what a siren is and why the mamad exists
Answer questions honestly but without frightening details
Teach the procedure: hear the siren, go to the mamad, close the door, wait for instructions
Give them a “role” — responsible for the flashlight, the game bag, the pet
Emphasize that the mamad blocks all the noise and keeps them safe

Ages 11-16: Transparency and Responsibility

Share information at a level they can process
Involve them in preparing the emergency kit
Teach them basic first aid
Show them the Home Front Command app and the shelter map
Let them help younger siblings — this strengthens their sense of capability

Personal Kit for Each Child

Prepare a small personal bag for each child. Let the child choose some of the items:

Comfort toy or stuffed animal — one important item that provides security
Quiet activities — playing cards, coloring book, markers, small puzzle
A favorite book
Headphones — to listen to music or a story and block out noise
Favorite snack — granola bar, cookies, crackers
Personal water bottle
Small blanket or familiar soft cloth

The idea: the child knows that “my emergency bag” is waiting in the mamad, which reduces fear of the unknown.

Practice at Home

The 2-Minute Drill

Practice as a family game once a month:

One parent says “Practice!” (not “Siren!” — to avoid real panic)
The whole family enters the mamad with personal kits
Close the door
Sit in assigned “regular spots”
Time it — the goal is under 60 seconds
Sit for 10 minutes, talk or play a game

After the drill: Praise the children. Ask how they felt. Give a small reward.

Conversation After a Real Event

After an actual siren, sit with the children:

Ask “How did you feel?” and make space for any answer
Normalize emotions — “It is okay to be scared, adults get scared too”
Point out what they did right — “See how we got in quickly and quietly?”
Do not minimize feelings (“There is nothing to be afraid of”) and do not exaggerate
Return to routine as quickly as possible

Signs a Child Needs Professional Help

Consult a child psychologist if you notice:

Sleep disturbances lasting more than two weeks (nightmares, bed-wetting)
Regression — a child reverting to behaviors of a younger age
Refusal to leave the house or extreme separation anxiety
Extreme irritability or unusual outbursts of anger
Loss of interest in activities they previously enjoyed
Recurring physical complaints (stomach aches, headaches) with no medical cause

ERAN (Mental Health First Aid) hotline: 1201

Special Considerations

Infants (0-1): Prepare diapers, bottles, formula, a pacifier, and a familiar blanket. Infants respond primarily to the parent’s tone of voice — stay calm.

Children with special needs: Adapt the practice to specific needs. Prepare required equipment (medications, medical devices, noise-canceling headphones). Coordinate with educational settings.

Children of divorced parents: Make sure both homes have an emergency kit and a known procedure. Coordinate between parents.

Resources

Home Front Command — family preparation guide
Magen David Adom — family first aid training
ERAN — Mental Health First Aid hotline, 1201