Media Release
Alberta RCMP encourage parents to start early teaching children how to respond to an emergency
Edmonton, Alta. – Teaching children how to recognize an emergency, how to stay calm, and how to call for help is a crucial part of keeping them safe. Whether they are at home, at school, or out in the community, knowing what to do can empower them to act quickly and responsibly.
The Alberta RCMP offer the following tips to help parents and caregivers know when and how to talk to kids about emergencies:
- Children as young as four or five can begin to understand basic safety skills and how to react in different situations. Whether it’s a medical emergency, fire, or suspicious activity, having a plan helps children feel more confident and prepared.
- Teach children that while helping in an emergency is important, they should never put themselves in danger because staying safe is always the first step.
- Show children how to use a phone to dial 911 and explain what kind of emergencies require that call. Make sure children can provide relevant information during the call including details of the event, full names, address and a parent or guardian’s phone number.
- Role-play different emergency situations, like someone getting hurt, a fire in the home, or a stranger at the door, and talk through the steps they should take.
- Make sure children know how to exit the house safely, where to meet outside, and who to contact if they can’t reach you.
- Help your child understand who they can trust in a crisis such as police officers, fire fighters and other first responders.
- Post a list of emergency contacts near the phone or on the fridge in case a child needs quick access during a stressful moment.
- Revisit emergency plans regularly and treat the conversation as a normal part of staying safe, just like wearing a seatbelt or looking both ways before crossing the street. Familiarizing children with emergency situations can reduce panic or fear in a real event.
For more safety tips follow us on Facebook @RCMPinAlberta and on X @RCMPAlberta.
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