When it comes to disaster preparedness, it seems as though there is a fine line between what you should teach your child, and what is best left to learn later. By the time your child is a preteen, there are a few essential survival skills that they should know. This is around the time where your child may start spending a significant amount of time away from you as parents, not just to go to school. Check out these essential survival skills and ensure that you yourself know them as well. When your child learns these, they will be more confident in their own ability to make it through should they be caught in a disaster situation.

Don’t Panic

During a disaster situation, some of the most harmful occurrences happen when those in the situation panic. This is dangerous not only to those panicking, but all those who are near. Teach your children that even in the face of disaster, you must not panic. Reaction time is everything and when your children are able to act calmly, they will have a better chance of making the right choice to protect themselves and those around them.

Basic First Aid

While a child shouldn’t be expected to deliver more advanced first aid techniques, they should have an understanding of how to perform the basics. CPR, using a splint, and treating a burn are all functions that a preteen should be able to complete. Your child should know the basics that could make the difference between life and death in an emergency situation.

Feed Themselves

This doesn’t have to be scavenging for food in the forest, but rather know how to feed themselves in the home. Teach your child how to use a can opener, safely work the stove, and handle raw meat. If you have a garden, it is even better to show them how to pick their food fresh, promoting healthy eating. In addition to this, teaching them how to identify water that is safe to drink will help keep them safe even when you aren’t around them.

Teach your child these three essential survival skills while they are still young. While these may seem basic, it is most important for you to ensure they understand and are able to accomplish these things. Talk with your children to get a basic understanding of their survival skills, and figure out where they can stand to learn more.