Emergency Services After the Emergency Kids Booklet 20110609
Content
A book to help kids cope with emergencies
2
Dear Parent, Guardian, Carer or Teacher,
Emergencies – big or small – are destructive and can
be very stressful. This book will enable children to
think about what has happened and be aware of the
feelings they may have after an emergency. You can
use this book as a tool to discuss with children how
they may be feeling.
Try to calm your own fears first, since children take
their cues about safety from the adults around them.
Answer questions honestly and age-appropriately, in
simple words. Reassure them that what happened is
not their fault and that adults will do their best to keep
children safe.
Follow the child’s lead. They may not want to talk
about their emotions and experiences right away. If
they prefer not to talk, spend time doing what they like
to do. If they express sadness, anger, or fear, tell them
it’s OK to feel this way, and encourage them to
continue sharing their feelings with words or pictures.
Try to avoid dismissing their issues as trivial – this can
create a belief that the events were too awful to talk
about. You can acknowledge their concerns and
correct any misconceptions they may have.
Try to minimise the distressing images or verbal media
reports children are exposed to. If children are
watching or listening to reports of emergencies, be
with them to help them make sense of the situation
– they need your perspective, guidance and
reassurance. Be aware of what children are being
exposed to at school, both in the playground and the
classroom, or outside school in social networking
internet sites, emails or with text messaging – these
are powerful instant communication tools. If you have
any concerns, talk to a doctor, other health
professional or school-based support service.
Book Illustrator Sarah McNamara
Character Illustrator Shaun Britton from Squidinc www.squidinc.com.au
Content Developed by Michelle Roberts
3
es
m
i
t
e
m
So
n,
e
p
p
a
h
gs
n
i
h
t
s.
y
r
m
r
o
sca
t
s
or
s
d
o
o
fl
,
s.
il ke fires e emergencie ey
th
es
h
d
t
n
l
l
a
a
,
l
c
l
a
m
We
s
r
o
g
i
eb
b
s.
n
e
a
v
i
c
l
r
e
s
u
eo
The
g
n
a
h
c
can
ies,
c
n
e
g
r
e
m
e
t
u
o
s
g
ab
n
i
s
h
k
t
l
f
a
t
so
ok
a
o
e
b
d
i
s
i
e
h
T
som
.
u
e
o
n
y
o
s
n
i
e
v
een
b
and gi
e
v
’
u
yo
f
i
o
d
to
4
Before the emergency
Draw a picture of yourself before the
emergency.
5
We think if we’re good, good
things will happen to us. But even when
we’ve been good, emergencies can happen to
us and to people we love.
An emergency can affect you, your family,
your animals, the people you know and
the place you live.
6
Getting ready
Sometimes, people have
time to get ready before
an emergency.
t or
s
i
l
a
Write ures of
ict
p
w
a
dr
id to
d
u
o
y
what ready.
get
7
But other times,
there may have
been no warning
and no time
to get ready.
8
Your special things
What did you take with you
in the emergency?
You can draw pictures of the
items in the backpack and in the
thought bubble.
9
What
do yo
wish
u
y
o
u had
taken
with
you?
10
In the emergency
ple
o
e
p
ce
a
l
e
p
m
fer
So
a
cy.
s
n
e
a
erg ?
t to
m
n
e
e
w
he you go re
t
g
n
duri ere did of whe
Wh picture what
d
a
n
a
w
t
a
Dr u wen like.
yo t was
i
11
Draw
h
felt d ow you
uring
the
emer
genc
y.
12
It’s sad
when
someon
e is hur
It’s hard t or dies.
to see
animals
injured.
Feelings
13
Word search
ve
a
h
o
t
al
m
r
o
n
gs
It’s
n
i
l
e
e
f
nt
e
r
e
y.
f
f
c
i
n
d
e
g
r
me
e
n
a
r
e of
m
afte
o
s
find
u
o
el?
y
e
f
e
l
Can
p
peo
s
y
a
w
the
You can look down,
across or on an angle.
scared
angry
sad
afraid
tired
guilty
relieved
panicked
hopeful
14
After the
emergency
it’s
s
e
etim with
m
o
S
be
o
’t
t
n
d
e
r
r
a
e
h
ow
h
w
y.
s
c
r
n
e
e
h
g
ot
er
m
e
in the
ring
a
e
h
n
ep
ht ke d again o .
g
i
m
r
You again an
pape
s
w
t
e
i
n
t
abou or in the aring too d
V
he
oo
the T ing and not be g
h
Watc ut it may e to do
abo
oos
much r you. Ch g else.
fo
thin
some
You might have scary dreams, feel
sick or find it hard to concentrate
and want to stay close to your family
– that’s normal too.
15
16
Everyone is diffe
rent
and everyone’s
feelings are
different too.
It might take so
me time,
but you will start
to feel
better.
Feeling better
17
es
k
a
tm
r?
Wha el bette the
of
fe
n
you ictures ou pla .
w p help y to do
a
r
D
to
ike
l
s
e
d
i
l
u
vit
acti you wo
t
wha
18
Getting help
Talk about your feelings and
thoughts with someone you trust
– like your parents, a favourite
teacher or a counsellor.
es
m
a
e n could
h
t
e
Writ ple you your
f
ut
eo
o
o
p
s
b
f
a
o
tip
to
e
h
k
l
t
ta
n
o
s
er.
g
g
n
n
i
l
fee each fi
19
Speak to
your par
about ho
e
w you fe nts
el. Ask
them or
your tea
cher to
find som
eone yo
u can
talk to.
Ask for help!
If you still have scary
dreams, feel sick or are
worried or frightened,
don’t be afraid to ask
for help.
20
What c
an
you do
?
Be kind to others
and to yourself.
od
o
f
y
h
lt
a
e
h
t
Ea
your
lp
e
h
l
il
w
it
–
ain.
body and br
Looking after yourself
Spend time
with people
you like.
21
22
The future
re
Draw a pictu
ith
of yourself w
iends
family and fr
.
in the future
23
re of
Draw a pictu
nt your
how you wa
be in
community to
the future.
Emergency REDiPlan
is made possible by the
generous support of
National Office
155 Pelham Street,
Carlton VIC 3053
Tel 03 9345 1800
Fax 03 9348 2513
www.redcross.org.au
NT
Cnr Lambell Terrace and
Schultz Street,
Larrakeyah NT 0820
Tel 08 8924 3900
Fax 08 8924 3909
TAS
40 Melville Street,
Hobart TAS 7000
Tel 03 6235 6077
Fax 03 6231 1250
ACT
Cnr Hindmarsh Drive
and Palmer Street,
Garran ACT 2605
Tel 02 6234 7600
Fax 02 6234 7650
QLD
49 Park Road,
Milton QLD 4064
Tel 07 3367 7222
Fax 07 3367 7444
VIC
23-47 Villiers Street,
North Melbourne VIC 3051
Tel 03 8327 7700
Fax 03 8327 7711
NSW
159 Clarence Street,
Sydney NSW 2000
Tel 02 9229 4111
Fax 02 9229 4244
SA
207-217 Wakefield Street,
Adelaide SA 5000
Tel 08 8100 4500
Fax 08 8100 4501
WA
110 Goderich Street,
East Perth WA 6004
Tel 08 9225 8888
Fax 08 9325 5112
2
Dear Parent, Guardian, Carer or Teacher,
Emergencies – big or small – are destructive and can
be very stressful. This book will enable children to
think about what has happened and be aware of the
feelings they may have after an emergency. You can
use this book as a tool to discuss with children how
they may be feeling.
Try to calm your own fears first, since children take
their cues about safety from the adults around them.
Answer questions honestly and age-appropriately, in
simple words. Reassure them that what happened is
not their fault and that adults will do their best to keep
children safe.
Follow the child’s lead. They may not want to talk
about their emotions and experiences right away. If
they prefer not to talk, spend time doing what they like
to do. If they express sadness, anger, or fear, tell them
it’s OK to feel this way, and encourage them to
continue sharing their feelings with words or pictures.
Try to avoid dismissing their issues as trivial – this can
create a belief that the events were too awful to talk
about. You can acknowledge their concerns and
correct any misconceptions they may have.
Try to minimise the distressing images or verbal media
reports children are exposed to. If children are
watching or listening to reports of emergencies, be
with them to help them make sense of the situation
– they need your perspective, guidance and
reassurance. Be aware of what children are being
exposed to at school, both in the playground and the
classroom, or outside school in social networking
internet sites, emails or with text messaging – these
are powerful instant communication tools. If you have
any concerns, talk to a doctor, other health
professional or school-based support service.
Book Illustrator Sarah McNamara
Character Illustrator Shaun Britton from Squidinc www.squidinc.com.au
Content Developed by Michelle Roberts
3
es
m
i
t
e
m
So
n,
e
p
p
a
h
gs
n
i
h
t
s.
y
r
m
r
o
sca
t
s
or
s
d
o
o
fl
,
s.
il ke fires e emergencie ey
th
es
h
d
t
n
l
l
a
a
,
l
c
l
a
m
We
s
r
o
g
i
eb
b
s.
n
e
a
v
i
c
l
r
e
s
u
eo
The
g
n
a
h
c
can
ies,
c
n
e
g
r
e
m
e
t
u
o
s
g
ab
n
i
s
h
k
t
l
f
a
t
so
ok
a
o
e
b
d
i
s
i
e
h
T
som
.
u
e
o
n
y
o
s
n
i
e
v
een
b
and gi
e
v
’
u
yo
f
i
o
d
to
4
Before the emergency
Draw a picture of yourself before the
emergency.
5
We think if we’re good, good
things will happen to us. But even when
we’ve been good, emergencies can happen to
us and to people we love.
An emergency can affect you, your family,
your animals, the people you know and
the place you live.
6
Getting ready
Sometimes, people have
time to get ready before
an emergency.
t or
s
i
l
a
Write ures of
ict
p
w
a
dr
id to
d
u
o
y
what ready.
get
7
But other times,
there may have
been no warning
and no time
to get ready.
8
Your special things
What did you take with you
in the emergency?
You can draw pictures of the
items in the backpack and in the
thought bubble.
9
What
do yo
wish
u
y
o
u had
taken
with
you?
10
In the emergency
ple
o
e
p
ce
a
l
e
p
m
fer
So
a
cy.
s
n
e
a
erg ?
t to
m
n
e
e
w
he you go re
t
g
n
duri ere did of whe
Wh picture what
d
a
n
a
w
t
a
Dr u wen like.
yo t was
i
11
Draw
h
felt d ow you
uring
the
emer
genc
y.
12
It’s sad
when
someon
e is hur
It’s hard t or dies.
to see
animals
injured.
Feelings
13
Word search
ve
a
h
o
t
al
m
r
o
n
gs
It’s
n
i
l
e
e
f
nt
e
r
e
y.
f
f
c
i
n
d
e
g
r
me
e
n
a
r
e of
m
afte
o
s
find
u
o
el?
y
e
f
e
l
Can
p
peo
s
y
a
w
the
You can look down,
across or on an angle.
scared
angry
sad
afraid
tired
guilty
relieved
panicked
hopeful
14
After the
emergency
it’s
s
e
etim with
m
o
S
be
o
’t
t
n
d
e
r
r
a
e
h
ow
h
w
y.
s
c
r
n
e
e
h
g
ot
er
m
e
in the
ring
a
e
h
n
ep
ht ke d again o .
g
i
m
r
You again an
pape
s
w
t
e
i
n
t
abou or in the aring too d
V
he
oo
the T ing and not be g
h
Watc ut it may e to do
abo
oos
much r you. Ch g else.
fo
thin
some
You might have scary dreams, feel
sick or find it hard to concentrate
and want to stay close to your family
– that’s normal too.
15
16
Everyone is diffe
rent
and everyone’s
feelings are
different too.
It might take so
me time,
but you will start
to feel
better.
Feeling better
17
es
k
a
tm
r?
Wha el bette the
of
fe
n
you ictures ou pla .
w p help y to do
a
r
D
to
ike
l
s
e
d
i
l
u
vit
acti you wo
t
wha
18
Getting help
Talk about your feelings and
thoughts with someone you trust
– like your parents, a favourite
teacher or a counsellor.
es
m
a
e n could
h
t
e
Writ ple you your
f
ut
eo
o
o
p
s
b
f
a
o
tip
to
e
h
k
l
t
ta
n
o
s
er.
g
g
n
n
i
l
fee each fi
19
Speak to
your par
about ho
e
w you fe nts
el. Ask
them or
your tea
cher to
find som
eone yo
u can
talk to.
Ask for help!
If you still have scary
dreams, feel sick or are
worried or frightened,
don’t be afraid to ask
for help.
20
What c
an
you do
?
Be kind to others
and to yourself.
od
o
f
y
h
lt
a
e
h
t
Ea
your
lp
e
h
l
il
w
it
–
ain.
body and br
Looking after yourself
Spend time
with people
you like.
21
22
The future
re
Draw a pictu
ith
of yourself w
iends
family and fr
.
in the future
23
re of
Draw a pictu
nt your
how you wa
be in
community to
the future.
Emergency REDiPlan
is made possible by the
generous support of
National Office
155 Pelham Street,
Carlton VIC 3053
Tel 03 9345 1800
Fax 03 9348 2513
www.redcross.org.au
NT
Cnr Lambell Terrace and
Schultz Street,
Larrakeyah NT 0820
Tel 08 8924 3900
Fax 08 8924 3909
TAS
40 Melville Street,
Hobart TAS 7000
Tel 03 6235 6077
Fax 03 6231 1250
ACT
Cnr Hindmarsh Drive
and Palmer Street,
Garran ACT 2605
Tel 02 6234 7600
Fax 02 6234 7650
QLD
49 Park Road,
Milton QLD 4064
Tel 07 3367 7222
Fax 07 3367 7444
VIC
23-47 Villiers Street,
North Melbourne VIC 3051
Tel 03 8327 7700
Fax 03 8327 7711
NSW
159 Clarence Street,
Sydney NSW 2000
Tel 02 9229 4111
Fax 02 9229 4244
SA
207-217 Wakefield Street,
Adelaide SA 5000
Tel 08 8100 4500
Fax 08 8100 4501
WA
110 Goderich Street,
East Perth WA 6004
Tel 08 9225 8888
Fax 08 9325 5112
