Making Emergency Preparedness Fun and Engaging For Kids

Preparing for emergencies is an important task for any family, and as parents we all know that doing things with children can become overwhelming very quickly. So, let’s approach it in a little different way. Why not, turn emergency preparedness into a family activity where you can educate your children while doing it.  Depending on the age of your children you can use it to teach them to count or use it to explain the science behind the products such as the desiccants and oxygen absorbers.

Why Involve Kids in Emergency Preparedness?

Involving kids in emergency preparedness has multiple benefits. It teaches them valuable life skills, fosters a sense of responsibility , and can help alleviate their fears by making the unknown more familiar. Kids naturally want to help. Giving them a task to accomplish while preparing for an emergency can be a confidence booster for your child. Plus, it’s an opportunity for some quality family time.

 

Understanding the Basics: Mylar Bags, Oxygen Absorbers, and Desiccants

Before you start, explain to your kids the importance of having an emergency food supply. Highlight the role of different materials used in long-term storage:

  • Mylar Bags: These are special bags designed to keep food fresh for a long time. They protect food from light, moisture, and air.

  • Oxygen Absorbers: Small packets that remove oxygen from the mylar bags, preventing spoilage and extending the shelf life of the food. When there is oxygen in the air it can combine with hydrogen to form a water molecule. 

  • Desiccants: These are used to absorb moisture and keep the food dry, preventing mold and bacteria growth. 

Fun Activities to Get Kids Involved

  1. Packing Food in Mylar Bags:

    • Have your kids help you pack dry foods like rice, beans, or pasta into mylar bags. Explain how these foods are good for long-term storage. 

    • When placing food into the mylar bags, you can use it for educational purposes; ie: count how many cups go into the bag or talk about how many cups are in a quart, pint, gallon, etc. 

    • If they are of appropriate maturity, let them use a heat sealer under supervision to seal the bags, explaining how sealing keeps the food fresh.

  2. Adding Oxygen Absorbers or Desiccants:

    • Give your kids the task of placing oxygen absorbers or desiccants into the mylar bags before sealing. Teach them about the science behind why these are important for preserving food. If your kids are old enough, you can give them the Oxygen Absorber chart and let them tell you how many cc’s of oxygen absorbers you need. 

  3. Creating an Inventory List:

    • Have your children help you create an inventory list of all the food items you’ve packed. This can be a great exercise in organization and writing. You can also use this as a counting experience for young children. Let them count the bags as you organize them. 

  4. Building an Emergency Food Supply Shelf:

    • Involve your kids in organizing the emergency food supply on a dedicated shelf. They can help label and categorize items, making it easier to rotate and use supplies as needed.

  5. Role-Playing Emergency Situations:

    • Conduct role-playing games where kids pretend they are in an emergency situation and need to use the emergency food supply. This is a great way to help them understand how to handle an emergency situation if it were to ever happen. 

untitled-design-7-.png

Educational Benefits

By involving kids in preparing for emergencies, you’re teaching them:

  • Practical Skills: How to use tools like heat sealers and understand the purpose of oxygen absorbers and desiccants.

  • Critical Thinking: Planning and organizing an emergency food supply requires foresight and problem-solving.

  • Science and Math: Measuring food portions, calculating storage times, and understanding the science behind food preservation.

sup-kit-2.jpg

Final Thoughts

Emergency preparedness doesn’t have to be that overwhelming daunting task for us parents. By involving your kids and turning it into an educational activity, you not only prepare your family for any emergency situation but also educate your children with knowledge and skills that will last a lifetime. Use this opportunity to teach them about long-term storage, the importance of an emergency food supply, and the tools like mylar bags, oxygen absorbers, and desiccants that make it all possible.

Start today and make emergency preparedness a family affair!

 

!