- One of the difficult things about teaching children -- especially young children -- how to evacuate in the case of a tornado is teaching them how important it is to follow the rules. Impress upon them that following the evacuation procedures is very important, without frightening them.
- Make a clear plan that details where children should go to in the event of a tornado. Keep things simple so that children know exactly where they are supposed to go if one occurs. This could include going to a storm shelter or the basement of the building. Make it clear that children should go directly to the evacuation location and that they shouldn't stop anywhere or for anything, such as a favorite toy, along the way.
- Teach children the evacuation procedures in language that is suitable for their age. Make the instructions simpler for younger children so that they aren't confused about what to do in an emergency. Include other important instructions, such as how and when to call 911 in the event that they are alone or if someone has been hurt.
- No matter how often you explain the evacuation procedures, there is no substitute for practice. Hold regular tornado drills in which you walk through the entire procedure of an evacuation, as if a tornado was really happening. The more often you are able to do this, the better the children will be trained to respond appropriately in the event that a tornado actually occurs.
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