Editor’s Note: Our fictional friends Jane and Zymir discuss ways families can prepare for emergencies.

By Robert Ambrose

JANE: Well, since we’re at the end of summer, let’s talk emergency preparedness.

ZYIR: But it’s the end of summer.

JANE: Emergencies can happen any time. (Pause) Do it for your nephews. Adults get scared but kids get traumatized. Planning can reduce stress.

ZYIR: (Pause)

JANE: So, if you remain calm, kids remain calm. Also, we need to get them involved after an emergency.

ZYIR: Like…

JANE: (interrupting) Don’t let kids watch the news. Instead, talk to them about their feelings. Let them know that the emergency is winding down.

ZYIR: Kids need routines. And the emergency disrupted all routines.

JANE: Try to keep at least one kid routine.

ZYIR: Tell them that you are keeping them safe.

JANE: That’s the spirit.

ZYIR: There is no perfect place. That’s why Red Cross made a map for us to locate exactly what emergencies are most likely to happen here in the Mid-Atlantic.

JANE: I already checked it out.

ZYIR: Name the emergencies.

JANE: Hurricanes.

ZYIR: Correct. But you forgot one.

JANE: Winter storms?

ZYIR: Yes. Winter storms. We lose power and the roads are impassible. You need to have food in the cabinet and refrigerator to wait it out.

JANE: Are we missing anything?

ZYIR: A survival kit would contain 15 things. Name them.

JANE: Enough water for one person to enjoy one gallon daily.

ZYIR: At least.

JANE: Food, flashlight, a battery-powered radio, first aid kit, medication, a tool that can do many things, personal hygiene items, a cell phone with a backup battery, an emergency blanket, family contact info and extra cash.

ZYIR: Forgot one.

JANE: I don’t know about that.

ZYIR: Copies of insurance policies, ID like a passport…

JANE: Oh, yeah. Birth certificate. (pointing her index finger).

ZYIR: Did we miss anything?

JANE: Of course.

ZYIR: Well, that is because every disaster is different.

JANE: Sure. But planning for the specific type of disaster is critical.

ZYIR: Go over the plan with your family.

JANE: Give each person a job to do.

ZYIR: And practice it not during the disaster but before.

JANE: Practice it multiple times.

ZYIR: Look out for special needs like older people, people with disabilities, kids and pets.

JANE: Of course, the elderly. They have so much wisdom to offer because they lived so much life including some emergencies…

ZYIR: to learn valuable lessons.