The primary aim of disaster preparedness and response is safety. Much of disaster planning focuses on concrete planning for physical safety. For example, TDHS emergency preparedness plans must include specific information on frequency of smoke detector inspection, evacuation routes, and relocation sites so that physical safety is maximized if a disaster occurs. However, just as physical safety must be addressed, the State of Tennessee also recognizes the importance of emotional safety.

During emergencies, whether large-scale disasters or smaller-scale crisis events, it is natural for adults and children to respond with strong emotions. These emotions can help you act quickly to ensure your own safety as well as the safety of the children in your care. However, it is important to balance this sense of urgency with regulated emotions and an “in-charge” presence. It is your ability to remain calm, take control, and be supportive that will support infants’ and young children’s mental health during emergencies.

Infants and young children are uniquely sensitive to the anxiety and worry of adults. Because they depend on and follow the lead of adults to know how to respond to events going on around them, they can be even more sensitive during a crisis. Infants’ and young children’s responses to emergencies are largely determined by watching the responses and reactions of their parents and caregivers.

The TDHS Emergency Preparedness Plan requires that staff be alerted to an emergency without alarming the children.

Tips on supporting infants and young children during an emergency response:

• To help others, you must first make sure that you have taken care of yourself. The adage, “put your oxygen mask on first,” speaks to the fact that if you have not taken care of yourself, you cannot take care of others. Check in with yourself. Pause and take a deep breath (or use whatever strategy works for you) so that you can fully attend to your own and the children’s needs.

• Remember that there has been much preparation for this unexpected event. There is an emergency response plan that will guide your response.

• Give clear directions that the children will be able to follow.

• Your tone of voice should convey the seriousness of the situation while also conveying your care and concern.

• Reassure infants and young children that what you are doing is to keep them safe. This is an important message even if you are also concerned about safety. You are doing the best that you can.

• If it is safe, sing songs, tell stories, and provide physical comfort.

• Listen to and watch the children to learn what they understand about the situation.

• Putting words to scary, overwhelming, or confusing experiences and feelings is helpful for everyone, including infants and young children. Use simple and developmentally appropriate language to provide
  basic but accurate information about what is happening and what you are doing.