St. Paul RCMP are reminding parents and caregivers that teaching kids how to recognize and respond to emergencies is a key part of keeping them safe at home, school, and in the community.
Officers say children as young as four or five can begin learning basic safety skills, including what to do in a medical emergencies, fires, or if they see suspicious activity. Parents are encouraged to role-play different scenarios with their kids to help them stay calm and known what steps to take.
Children should be taught how to safely call 911, what kinds of situations require that call, and how to share important details like names, addresses, and contact information. RCMP also recommend showing children how to exit the house during an emergency, where to meet outside, and who they can trust in a crisis, such as police officers, firefighters, and other first responders.
Posting emergency contacts near a phone or on the fridge and reviewing safety plans often can make a big difference. “Familiarizing children with emergency situations can reduce panic or fear in a real event,” reads the statement.
For more safety tips, follow Alberta RCMP on social media.