Emergencies - whether natural disasters, conflicts, or unexpected crises - can be frightening and disorienting for children. They may not understand what's happening, why routines have changed, or whether they'll be safe. As adults, we can significantly reduce the impact of emergencies on children through thoughtful preparation, clear communication, and emotional support.
Save the Children has supported millions of children through emergencies worldwide. Our child protection specialists and emergency response teams know that children who are prepared, informed, and emotionally supported cope better during crises and recover more quickly afterward.
This guidance covers three essential areas: preparing practical emergency supplies, preventing separation from caregivers, and supporting children's emotional wellbeing during and after emergencies.
Choose A topic to see specific guidance:
How to Pack a Go Bag with Children
Why Go Bags are essential
A Go Bag (also called a grab bag or emergency kit) contains everything your family needs to survive for at least 72 hours if you must evacuate quickly or lose access to normal services. Having supplies ready significantly improves safety outcomes during emergencies.
For children specifically, Go Bags reduce anxiety by providing familiar essentials and comfort items during chaotic situations. When children help pack their own bags, they feel more in control and understand the plan better.
Read the guide
Key actions:
Involve children in packing so they know what's available
Include essentials: water, food, medications, documents, torch
Add comfort items like a small toy or familiar object
Keep bags accessible near exits, not in basements or garages
Packing essentials for children
Involve children in preparation - this builds confidence and ensures they know what's available if they need to access the bag themselves.
1. Water and sustenance
Water: At least 1 liter per person per day for 3 days minimum (3 liters per child). Use sealed bottles with long shelf lives.
Food and snacks: Long-lasting, easy-to-open options that don't require cooking:
Cereal bars, dried fruit, nuts (check allergies)
Crackers, breadsticks
Tinned foods with ring-pull lids (beans, fruit, tuna)
Peanut or nut butter sachets
Sweets for quick energy and comfort
Avoid salty foods that increase thirst. Choose foods children will actually eat - familiar favorites reduce stress.
For babies and toddlers:
Ready-to-feed formula (if not breastfeeding)
Sterilized bottles and teats
Baby food pouches or jars
Sippy cups
2. Essential documents
Store in a waterproof bag or folder:
Identity and medical documents:
Photocopies of birth certificates, passports, ID cards
NHS cards, vaccination records
Prescription details and allergy information
Insurance documents
Emergency contact list with phone numbers
Consider keeping digital copies on a password-protected memory stick or in secure cloud storage accessible offline.
3. Emergency devices
Torch: LED torch with extra batteries (or hand-crank version that doesn't need batteries)
Radio: Battery-operated or hand-crank radio to receive emergency broadcasts when power is out
Whistle: For signaling help if trapped or separated
Power pack and charging cable: Keep charged and refresh every few months
Mobile phone: Old phones work for emergency calls even without active service
Map: Physical map of your area showing evacuation routes and meeting points
4. Communication devices and information
Emergency contact card for each child containing:
Child's full name, date of birth, address
Parents'/caregivers' names and phone numbers
Out-of-area emergency contact (see separation guidance below)
School name and address
Any critical medical information (allergies, conditions, medications)
Family meeting point location
Laminate these cards or keep in waterproof holders. Children old enough should carry a copy in their pocket or bag at all times.
5. First aid and medications
Basic first aid kit:
Plasters in various sizes
Sterile gauze pads and bandages
Antiseptic wipes and cream
Scissors and tweezers
Thermometer
Pain relief suitable for children (check age recommendations)
Antihistamine for allergic reactions
Oral rehydration sachets
Prescription medications: At least 3-day supply in original packaging with dosage instructions. Rotate regularly before expiry dates.
Assistive devices: Spare glasses, hearing aid batteries, any essential medical equipment your child needs.
6. Hygiene supplies
Soap and hand sanitizer
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Wet wipes and tissues
Small towel or washcloth
Nappies and wipes (for babies/toddlers)
Feminine hygiene products (for teenagers)
Toilet paper
7. Clothing and weather protection
Spare clothes: One complete change of weather-appropriate clothing for each child
Underwear and socks
Long trousers and long-sleeved shirt
Warm jumper or fleece
Weather protection:
Waterproof jacket
Sturdy shoes or boots (not just sandals)
Hat (sun hat or warm hat depending on season)
Gloves in winter
Emergency blanket: Compact foil emergency blankets provide warmth and take little space.
8. Comfort items
These are crucial for children's emotional wellbeing:
Small favorite toy: One small, beloved soft toy or comfort object (not large items that take too much space)
Pencils and paper: For drawing, writing, or playing simple games
Small game or puzzle: Card games, travel-size board games, or activity books
Photos: Small family photo to provide comfort and help with identification if separated
Explain to children why they can only bring one small toy - help them choose something genuinely comforting rather than a large or electronic item that won't work without power.
9. Additional essentials
Cash: Small notes and coins (cards may not work if power is out)
Plastic bags: For waste, wet clothes, or protecting items
Matches or lighter: In waterproof container (keep away from children)
Duct tape: Multiple emergency uses
Pen and notepad: For leaving messages or recording information
Go Bag storage and maintenance
Where to keep Go Bags:
Near exits (front door, back door)
NOT in basements, attics, or garages where flood, fire, or collapse could trap them
Each family member should know exactly where bags are located
Consider keeping smaller versions in car boot and at workplace
Maintenance schedule:
Check every 6 months (set calendar reminders)
Replace expired food, water, medications
Update clothing as children grow
Check batteries and replace if needed
Update contact information if phone numbers change
Refresh comfort items if child's preferences change
Make checking Go Bags a family activity. Let children help with updates so they stay familiar with contents.
Age-appropriate involvement
Young children (3-7 years):
Help choose their comfort toy
Pick favorite non-perishable snacks
Practice carrying their small bag
Know where family bags are kept
Older children (8-12 years):
Pack their own clothing and hygiene items with guidance
Help check expiry dates on food and medicines
Understand why each item is included
Practice accessing and using items
Teenagers:
Pack and maintain their own Go Bag
Include period products, phone charger, any personal medications
Take responsibility for checking bag every 6 months
Help younger siblings prepare theirs
How to Prevent Children Being Separated from Caregivers
Why separation is a serious risk in emergencies
In the chaos of evacuations, natural disasters, or crowded emergency situations, children can easily become separated from caregivers.
Separated children face heightened risks of injury, exploitation, psychological trauma, and difficulty accessing help. Young children may not know how to find their way back or communicate where they belong.
The good news: most separation is preventable through preparation, clear plans, and teaching children essential information.
Read the guide
Key actions:
Teach children their full name, address, and caregiver phone numbers
Choose an out-of-area emergency contact everyone can reach
Establish specific meeting points if separated
Practice the plan regularly so children remember it
Essential information children must know
1. Basic identity information
Ensure children can confidently state:
Their own details:
Full name (first name and surname)
Full home address including postcode
Town, village, or neighborhood name
Date of birth
Caregiver information:
Parents'/caregivers' full names (not just "Mum" or "Dad")
At least one parent's mobile phone number (memorised, not just stored in a phone)
Additional helpful information:
School name and general location
Any important medical information (serious allergies, essential medications, conditions)
For young children who can't memorise all this: Provide a laminated card in their pocket or bag with this information. Include a recent photo of the child with caregivers.
For babies and toddlers: Attach information securely to their clothing or bag in an emergency. Include caregiver contact details and any critical medical needs.
Creating a communication plan
2. Choose an out-of-area emergency contact
Select a trusted person who lives in a different area - ideally someone all family members know and trust.
Why someone out-of-area? During local emergencies, nearby phone networks often become overloaded and calls won't connect. However, calls or texts to other regions usually work. An out-of-area contact can act as a central communication point.
This contact should:
Live far enough away not to be affected by the same emergency (different town/county)
Have phone numbers for all family members
Know your family's emergency meeting points
Be available and willing to receive calls/texts during crises
Keep an updated list of all family members
Everyone in the family should:
Memorise this person's name and phone number
Know to contact them if separated from the family
Understand the contact will help coordinate reunion
Discuss this plan with your out-of-area contact so they understand their role.
3. Establish specific meeting points
Have two predetermined meeting locations:
Meeting Point 1 - Near home: A specific, easily identifiable location near your home for minor emergencies or if separated briefly.
Good options:
A specific neighbor's front door
School reception desk
Local shop or community center entrance (be specific: "outside the Co-op on High Street," not just "a shop")
Specific tree, bench, or landmark
Bad options:
"Our house" (may be inaccessible)
Vague locations like "the park" (too large, not specific enough)
Meeting Point 2 - Outside neighborhood: A location outside your immediate area for major emergencies when it's unsafe to stay in or return to your neighborhood.
Good options:
A relative or friend's specific address in a different area
Community center or school in neighboring town
Specific public building (library, town hall) with exact address
Make sure children know both addresses and can describe how to get there.
4. Practice your meeting plan
Regular practice:
Rehearse the plan every 3-6 months
Walk to Meeting Point 1 together so children know the route
Drive to Meeting Point 2 so it's familiar
Quiz children on their memorised information
Practice calling the out-of-area contact
Make it age-appropriate:
Young children: turn it into a game or treasure hunt
Older children: discuss scenarios and problem-solve together
Teenagers: give them responsibility for remembering details and helping younger siblings
Teaching children to recognize safe people
5. Identify safe people in different environments
Children need to know who to approach for help if separated, but stranger danger messaging can prevent them seeking necessary help. Teach children to identify "safe strangers" in emergencies:
In public spaces:
Police officers, firefighters, paramedics (in uniform)
Shop workers behind tills (they're accountable and usually have phones)
Other parents with children (preferably women with children)
Security guards in uniform
Teachers or school staff
What children should say: "I'm lost. I need help finding my parent/carer. Their name is [parent's name] and their phone number is [number]."
Teach children:
Stay where they are if possible (easier to find them if they don't keep moving)
Don't leave the area with anyone, even someone claiming to know their parents
Don't get into any vehicle without speaking to a family member first
Give the safe person their emergency contact card or memorised information
What children should NOT do:
Wander around looking for you
Go home alone
Accept offers of help from people not in the "safe stranger" categories
Leave with anyone claiming "your parent sent me to get you"
Coordinating with schools and childcare providers
6. Make emergency plans with care providers
Ensure all places where your children spend time have your emergency contact information and know your family's plan:
Provide to schools, nurseries, childcare:
Updated contact details for all caregivers
Out-of-area emergency contact information
List of authorised people who can collect your child
Any special medical or care needs
Clear instructions: children should not leave with anyone not on the authorised list, even in emergencies
Discuss with providers:
Their evacuation procedures and meeting points
How they will attempt to contact you
What happens if you cannot reach the facility during an emergency
Where children will be taken if school must evacuate
Keep this information current: Update immediately if phone numbers, addresses, or authorised contacts change.
Teaching children to call for help
7. Know who to call and how
Make sure children know:
Emergency number - 999:
When to call: serious injury, fire, immediate danger, crime in progress
What to say: their name, location, what's wrong, phone number
To stay on the line until help arrives
Practice this with children so they feel confident, but emphasize only calling for real emergencies.
Parents' phone numbers: Children should memorise at least one parent's mobile number. Practice regularly.
Out-of-area emergency contact: Memorise this number as backup if parents can't be reached.
How to make calls when phones aren't working:
Explain that even phones without credit/service can call 999
Show them how to use public phones (increasingly rare but worth knowing)
Teach them to ask a safe stranger to use their phone if needed
Special considerations
For children with additional needs:
Communication difficulties:
Carry cards with essential information clearly displayed
Include information about communication methods
Note any behaviors that might be misunderstood in stressful situations
Mobility challenges:
Ensure meeting points are accessible
Have specific plans for how children will reach meeting points
Make sure safe people know about mobility equipment
Medical conditions:
Medical alert bracelets or cards with condition and medication information
Teach children to tell safe people about essential medications
Keep extra medications in Go Bags
Stay close during emergencies
Immediate supervision:
During emergencies, keep children closer than normal:
Hold hands with young children in crowds
Maintain visual contact with older children
Remind children to stay close and not wander off
Establish a "if we get separated, freeze and stay where you are" rule for young children
How to Help Children Cope Emotionally in Emergencies
Why emotional support is critical
Emergencies disrupt children's sense of safety and predictability.
Without support, children may develop anxiety, sleep problems, behavioral changes, or longer-term trauma responses. The good news: adult caregivers' calm, consistent support significantly protects children's mental health during crises.
Read the guide
Key actions:
Explain situations using age-appropriate, calm language
Listen to children's feelings without dismissing them
Maintain routines as much as possible
Limit exposure to news and social media
Give children ways to help and feel capable
Supporting children during emergencies
1. Explain the situation clearly
Children need honest, age-appropriate information about what's happening and what it means for them.
How to explain emergencies:
Use everyday language:
Avoid scary, negative words like "terrible," "panic," "horrible," or "disaster"
Be specific but not graphic: "There's been flooding and we need to leave our house for a few days until it's safe"
Don't lie or minimise if the situation is serious, but frame it in ways they can process
Match explanation to age:
Young children (3-7): "Sometimes big things happen like storms or fires. When that happens, grown-ups have a plan to keep everyone safe. We might need to go to a different place for a while, but we'll be together and I'll make sure you're okay."
Older children (8-12): "There's been [specific emergency]. This means [specific impact on your family]. We're going to [specific plan]. It might feel scary or strange, but lots of people are helping and we have everything we need to stay safe."
Teenagers: Give more complete information, including what's being done to address the emergency and realistic timeframes. Involve them in planning and decision-making where appropriate.
What to include:
What happened (basic facts)
How it affects your family specifically
What you're doing to stay safe
What will happen next (as much as you know)
That many people are helping
That things will get better
2. Listen to children's feelings
Encourage children to express feelings - excitement, concern, fear, anxiety, anger, or confusion are all normal responses.
Active listening techniques:
Give full attention:
Stop what you're doing
Make eye contact
Get down to their physical level for young children
Acknowledge feelings: "I can see you're feeling scared about leaving our house. That makes sense - this is a big change."
Don't dismiss with phrases like:
"Don't worry" (they are worried)
"You're fine" (they don't feel fine)
"It's not a big deal" (to them it is)
Reassure appropriately: "This situation is not permanent. Things will get better. Lots of people care about you and are working to help."
Ask open questions:
"How are you feeling about this?"
"What's the hardest part for you?"
"What would help you feel better?"
Rather than closed questions that prompt yes/no answers.
Validate without amplifying fear: "It's normal to feel worried when big changes happen. I'm here and we're going to be okay together."
3. Reward positive behavior
During stressful times, notice and praise when children handle situations well:
"You did a great job staying calm when we had to leave quickly"
"Thank you for helping carry your sister's bag"
"I'm proud of how you're being brave even though this is scary"
Why this matters: Positive reinforcement helps children feel valued, capable, and reminds them they can cope. It boosts mood during difficult circumstances.
Focus on effort and behavior they can control, not outcomes beyond their control.
4. Provide extra reassurance and comfort
Children need more physical closeness and emotional reassurance during emergencies:
Physical comfort:
Extra hugs, cuddles, hand-holding
Sitting close together
For young children, carrying them more often than usual
Physical presence and availability
Verbal reassurance:
"I love you"
"We're going to be okay"
"I'm here with you"
"You're safe"
Repeat these messages often - children need to hear them multiple times.
5. Find time for special activities
Even in challenging circumstances, create moments of normalcy and connection:
Quiet play together:
Reading stories
Drawing or coloring
Simple games with minimal equipment
Singing songs
Talking about happy memories
Why this helps: These activities provide distraction, maintain parent-child connection, create positive moments amid stress, and remind children that good things still exist.
Keep activities calm rather than overstimulating. The goal is comfort and connection, not high energy.
6. Limit news and social media exposure
Avoid overexposure to emergency coverage:
Constant news about the emergency increases anxiety without providing useful information children need.
Guidelines:
Don't have news running constantly in background
Watch/read news away from young children
For older children, watch together and discuss what they're seeing
Limit to brief, age-appropriate updates
Social media risks:
Misinformation spreads quickly
Graphic images and videos can be traumatizing
Rumors cause unnecessary fear
Algorithms can create echo chambers of worst information
For teenagers:
Acknowledge their desire to stay informed
Help them identify reliable information sources
Encourage news breaks - constant scrolling increases anxiety
Remind them social media is not a reliable sole source
What to say: "We'll check for important updates twice a day. The rest of the time, we're going to focus on what we need to do to stay safe and comfortable."
7. Help children participate safely
Feeling helpless increases anxiety. Finding age-appropriate ways to help gives children a sense of capability and control.
Young children (3-7):
Carrying their own small bag
Choosing which snacks to pack
Helping distribute bottles of water
Drawing pictures for people who are sad
Singing songs to cheer others up
Older children (8-12):
Checking Go Bag supplies
Helping younger siblings stay calm
Organising donations
Preparing simple food
Verbally comforting others who are worried
Teenagers:
Taking genuine responsibility in preparation or response
Volunteering in age-appropriate ways
Helping coordinate family plans
Supporting community response efforts
Caring for younger children
What to say: "Even though this is a difficult situation, there are things we can do to help. When we help others, it helps us feel better too."
Ensure tasks are genuinely helpful and age-appropriate - make-work activities can feel patronizing to older children.
8. Keep daily routines
Maintain familiar routines as much as circumstances allow:
Key routines to preserve:
Wake-up and bedtime times
Mealtimes
Bedtime rituals (stories, songs, tucking in)
Getting dressed sequence
Homework or reading time
Play time
Why routines matter:
Provide structure when everything else feels chaotic
Create predictability in unpredictable situations
Signal to children that some things remain stable
Help regulate sleep and eating
Adapting routines: You may not be able to maintain routines exactly, but keep the pattern:
If you can't do bath time, do a wash with a flannel
If you can't read usual bedtime books, tell familiar stories
If usual meals aren't possible, keep mealtimes at similar times
The consistency and familiarity matter more than perfection.
Recognising when children need additional support
Normal stress responses:
Some anxiety or worry
More clinginess than usual
Trouble sleeping for a few days
More questions about what's happening
Temporary changes in appetite or behavior
These usually improve within 2-3 weeks with support.
Signs children may need professional help:
If any of these persist beyond 3-4 weeks or worsen:
Severe or constant anxiety
Nightmares or severe sleep disturbance
Regression (bedwetting, baby talk in older children)
Aggressive or destructive behavior
Withdrawal from family or friends
Refusing to talk about the emergency
Physical complaints (stomachaches, headaches) with no medical cause
Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
Significant changes in eating
Talk of self-harm (seek immediate help)
Where to get help:
Start with your GP who can refer to appropriate services
Young Minds Crisis Messenger: text YM to 85258 (free, confidential, 24/7)
Childline: 0800 1111 (free, confidential, any time)
Mind: mental health support and information
School counseling services (when schools reopen)
Don't wait for symptoms to become severe - early intervention helps.
Looking after yourself
You can't support children well if you're struggling:
Accept help from others
Take breaks when possible
Talk to other adults about your own stress
Maintain your own basic self-care (food, sleep, hygiene)
Seek professional support if you need it
Remember: Children take emotional cues from adults. By staying as calm and positive as possible, you help children feel more secure - even when you don't feel calm yourself.
It's okay to acknowledge to children that you're also worried, while still conveying that you're coping and have a plan: "Yes, I am worried too, but I know we're going to get through this together."
How Save the Children Supports Children in Emergencies
When emergencies strike, Save the Children provides:
Child-friendly spaces where children can play, learn, and begin recovering from trauma
Child protection services to keep children safe and reunite separated families
Psychosocial support to help children process difficult experiences
Cash assistance so families can meet their immediate needs
Long-term support to restore education, health services, and community structures
In 2024, we supported millions of children through emergencies in over 40 countries. Learn more about our emergency response work.
Your support makes this response possible.
Save the Children staff member holds newborn baby Sara* at mobile clinic, Sudan
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age should children start learning emergency information like phone numbers?
Begin teaching children their full name and address around age 3-4. By age 5-6, most children can memorise one parent's phone number. Teenagers should know all family emergency information. Use songs, games, and regular practice to help younger children remember.
How do I explain an emergency without frightening my child?
Use calm, factual language focused on the plan and safety. Say "There's been flooding and we need to go to Grandma's house until our house is dry again" rather than "A terrible disaster destroyed our house." Be honest about changes while reassuring them you have a plan and they'll be okay.
My child keeps asking the same questions about the emergency. Why?
Repetitive questions are how young children process stressful information. Answer patiently each time - they need repeated reassurance. It's normal and usually decreases as children feel more secure.
Should I let my teenager follow emergency news on social media?
Set boundaries around news consumption. Constant scrolling increases anxiety without providing useful information. Agree on checking reliable sources 2-3 times per day maximum, and encourage news breaks. Discuss what they're seeing to counter misinformation and provide context.
What if I'm also struggling emotionally during the emergency?
That's completely normal. Seek support from other adults - friends, family, GP, or mental health services. Taking care of your own wellbeing isn't selfish; it enables you to support your children better. It's okay to acknowledge worry to children while conveying that you're coping and have a plan.
My child wants to help but seems too young. Should I let them?
Yes, with age-appropriate tasks. Even 3-year-olds can help by carrying their small bag or choosing snacks. Feeling helpful reduces anxiety. Just ensure tasks are genuinely useful and safe for their age and ability.
Should I replace items in Go Bags even if they haven't expired?
A: Check every 6 months. Replace expired items, update clothing as children grow, refresh batteries, and swap comfort items if children's preferences change. Make checking bags a family activity so children stay familiar with contents.
Last Updated: January 2026
