Emergency preparedness looks different when you have children. Not dramatically different — the same principles apply — but children add layers of complexity that most general prepping guides do not address.
This guide is specifically for parents and carers who want to build a family emergency plan that accounts for the real needs of children of different ages.
What Changes When You Have Kids
- Quantities: Young children (under 5) need approximately 50-60% of adult water quantities. Children aged 5-12 need approximately 70-80%. Teenagers need approximately the same as adults.
- Dietary needs: Infants and toddlers may depend on specific formula, pureed foods, or allergy-specific products. These cannot be improvised — they must be specifically stocked.
- Medications: Children’s dosing for over-the-counter medications differs significantly from adult dosing. Stock children’s versions of essential medications.
- Emotional needs: Children respond to emergencies with fear and confusion. Their wellbeing during an emergency is partly physical and partly emotional — both matter.
- Mobility: Young children cannot carry their own supplies or evacuate independently. Their needs must be distributed across adult bags.
The Additional Items Families With Young Children Need
For infants (0-12 months):
- 2-week supply of formula or breastfeeding support items
- 2-week supply of nappies/diapers (calculate daily usage x 14)
- Baby wipes (multiple packs)
- Age-appropriate pain relief and fever medication
- Any prescription medications
- 2 x favourite comfort items
- Extra clothing
- Baby carrier or sling for evacuation
For toddlers (1-3 years):
- 2-week supply of preferred foods (toddlers are notorious for food refusal under stress)
- Pull-ups if applicable
- Children’s paracetamol and antihistamine
- Favourite toy or comfort item (non-negotiable for morale)
- Small backpack they can feel ownership of
For school-age children (4-12 years):
- Preferred snacks
- Small personal torch
- Small comfort items
- A written card with their full name, home address, and one parent’s mobile number (in case of separation)
- Age-appropriate activity (cards, small game) for extended waiting
How to Involve Children in Preparedness Without Creating Fear
- Frame it as being smart, not scared. “We practise this so we know what to do — like how we have fire drills at school.”
- Make drills normal. Practice your fire escape plan, meeting point, and bug-out bag grab drill as ordinary family activities.
- Give children agency. Let children pack their own small emergency bag with items they choose.
- Answer questions honestly at an age-appropriate level. “Sometimes the power goes out for a few days and we need to have food and water ready.”
- Do not use fear as a motivator. Children who feel prepared and confident respond far better in emergencies than children who are frightened.
The Family Emergency Plan
Write it down:
1. Emergency contacts:
- Out-of-area contact (communication hub outside your region)
- School or childcare emergency contact and procedures
- Doctor and paediatrician contacts
- Children’s allergies and medications
2. Meeting points:
- Near your home (e.g., the big tree at the corner of your street)
- Away from your home (e.g., a specific friend’s address)
3. School procedure:
- What is your school’s emergency lockdown and release procedure?
- Who is authorised to collect your children if you cannot?
Special Medical Needs in Children
- Asthma: Stock at least a 2-week supply of preventer and reliever inhalers. Know the nearest hospital with a paediatric unit on your evacuation route.
- Severe allergies (EpiPen): Stock two auto-injectors — one for home, one for the bug-out bag. Check expiry dates every 6 months.
- Type 1 diabetes: Rapid-acting insulin is stable at room temperature for 28 days once opened. Consult your child’s endocrinologist about emergency storage protocols.
- ADHD medications: These are controlled substances. Speak to your prescribing doctor about emergency protocols in advance.
A Note on Talking to Children After an Emergency
If your family has been through an emergency event, children will need processing time. Normal responses include sleep disturbances, increased clinginess, regression to younger behaviours, and repetitive talk about the event. These are normal. Maintain as much routine as possible. Seek professional support if symptoms persist for more than a month or significantly impair daily functioning.