What’s the safest place to be during an earthquake?
Need a little levity in your life? These Bay Area jokes for kids are a great way to kick your day off in the right direction. Scroll down for silly jokes, corny jokes, and quite a few earthquake jokes. Share them with your little ones to get the laughs rolling!
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1. What do you call a seagull living in San Francisco?
A baygull.
2. Why is it so cold in San Francisco?
Giant fans.
3. It took 10 workers 10 days to build the Golden Gate Bridge. How long would it take 5 workers to build the same bridge?
None—it’s already built!
—Liam, age 7
4. Which 49ers player can jump higher than a house?
All of them—houses can’t jump at all.
5. Where do you find hungry 49ers?
The golden arches.
6. What card game do Niners fans play?
Golden Gate Bridge.
7. What runs around Levi’s Stadium but never moves?
A wall.
8. What did 49ers fans think about the new lights at Levi’s Stadium?
They gave them GLOWING reviews.
9. Who put all these mountains in California?
It wasn’t me, it was all San Andreas’ fault!
10. What was the earthquake's punishment?
It was grounded.
11. What happens when you get nervous during an earthquake?
You start shaking uncontrollably.
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12. What's the safest place to be during an earthquake?
A stationary store.
13. What did one earthquake say to the other?
It's not my fault!
14. What's the worst nightmare of an Etch-A-Sketch artist?
An earthquake.
15. What do you get when there’s an earthquake at a cow pasture?
Milk shakes.
16. Did you hear about the recent earthquake research?
The information is groundbreaking.
17. What did the ground say to the earthquake?
You crack me up.
18. Where do you find missing angels?
Lost Angeles
19. Where do waffles go on vacation?
Sandy Eggo.
20. Where in California does everyone have minty fresh breath?
Did you hear the one about the fish who moved to Hollywood?
We’re not laughing at L.A.; we’re laughing with it. From jokes about earthquakes to jokes about LA traffic, these kid-friendly jokes will have your little one laughing out loud.
Where can you find an albino alligator? What is the most crooked street in SF (hint: it’s not what you think!)?
If you’ve ever had a kid rattle off a million facts about seagulls, you know they are total sponges for any sort of trivia. These fun and weird facts about San Francisco will give the kids a little knowledge about the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco’s most famous ice cream sandwich, the iconic PIER 39 sea lions, and more. Share these over your next family dinner!
1. The average speed of a cable car is 9.5 mph. Better hold on tight!
2. Popular in Chinese cuisine, the fortune cookie was invented in San Francisco by the Japanese Hagiwara family at Golden Gate Park's Tea Garden. It's free to visit the Golden Gate Cookie Factory in SF but it will cost you 50 cents to take pictures!
3. The famous 1906 earthquake and the fire that followed destroyed much of San Francisco but Redwood trees helped salvage the city. Redwood trees take in a lot of water and have a low resin content. When the fire reached a building made of Redwood, it didn't burn as quickly because the resin is what makes wood flammable.
4. The sea lions moved into their home at PIER 39 after the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake. You can check them out via their webcam. How can you tell the difference between sea lions and seals? Sea lions have flaps for outer ears (while seals have none) and sea lions are far more vocal than their seal cousins.
5. The Golden Gate Bridge isn't really red (or golden for that matter). The official color is International Orange and it was not supposed to be the permanent color of the bridge. Suggestions of black and yellow stripes as well as candy cane red and white stripes were made by the U.S. military. But the architect Irving Morrow chose International Orange as it was able to be seen in the fog and contrasted nicely with the surrounding landscape.
6. Ghirardelli Chocolate was started by Domenico Ghirardelli in 1849 when he was selling chocolate and other goods to gold rush miners. He moved to San Francisco in 1852 to open his chocolate factory. Ghirardelli is the largest, continuously-operated chocolate producer in the U.S. There are three chocolate shops in Ghirardelli Square and you are always welcomed with a free piece of chocolate when you visit.
7. The San Francisco Municipal Railway has quite a collection of streetcars that run along Market Street. You can ride vintage streetcars from Portugal, England, Japan, Australia, Italy, and more!
Ameer Basheer via unsplash
8. Lombard Street is known as the most crooked street in San Francisco. It was designed in 1922 when it was determined that the street's 27% grade was too steep for cars and pedestrians. But did you know that there's another street in SF that should probably take the title for the most crooked street? Potrero Hill's Vermont Street between 20th and 22nd has even tighter curves than Lombard.
9. For an epic view of San Francisco and beyond, visitors often head to Twin Peaks. You can walk up the wooden stairs to the top of both peaks and see all the way to Marin. Did you know that the peaks have names? The north peak is "Eureka" and the south is "Noe."
10. Golden Gate Park stretches over 1,000 acres. It was designed by a 25-year-old civil engineer and the park's tallest monument is a 64-foot cross hidden somewhere behind Rainbow Falls, one of the park's two waterfalls.
Kate Loweth
11. While you are aware that Alcatraz holds a spot in history as the island prison to house Al Capone, do you know how Alcatraz got its name? The island of Alcatraz was first discovered in 1775 by Spanish explorer Juan Manuel de Ayala, who named it "La Isla de los Alcatraces," or the "Island of the Pelicans." It was later anglicized to "Alcatraz." It's actually believed that this name was meant for nearby Yerba Buena Island but maps of the day were less than accurate.
12. There used to be an aerial tram called the "Sky Tram" that passed over the Sutro Baths between the Cliff House and Point Lobos. It closed in 1965.
13. The iconic ice cream treat Its-Its were created in San Francisco. A scoop of ice cream sandwiched between two oatmeal cookies and dipped in chocolate, Its-Its come in many flavors and you can purchase them all at the Burlingame factory store.
14. Have you noticed that many San Francisco street names are stamped into the concrete (often with misspellings)? While it is largely believed that these came about after the 1906 earthquake to provide orientation when street signs were destroyed, the practice actually started in 1905 and street signs weren't common until the 1920s.
15. When the Bay Bridge opened in 1936, the toll was 65 cents.
16. Made popular by the opening credits of Full House, Alamo Square's Painted Ladies are Queen Anne Victorians designed to show off the wealth of the gold rush period with turrets, excessive windows, and decorated roof lines.
17. The most popular resident of the California Academy of Sciences is Claude, the albino alligator.
One of the best things about living in DFW is that in an area with over seven million people, there are a ton of museums for families and kids. Whatever your kid is interested in, there’s a museum for that in the metroplex. From the iconic Perot Museum to hidden gems like the Dallas Heritage Village, we’ve listed a few of our favorite spots to take curious kids in and around Dallas and Fort Worth.
Perot Museum of Nature and Science
Gabby Cullen
At the Perot Museum of Nature and Science, you can race a T. rex, challenge friends in robot competitions, explore the astonishing links between dinosaurs and modern-day birds, experience a simulated earthquake, journey through the universe, and test what it means to “be human”. Everything from dinosaurs to DNA to diamonds is packed into five levels of hands-on discovery and adventure. There's even a special children's museum on the bottom floor of the museum where the littlest visitors can discover science. Don't forget to try the earthquake simulator or dance with the dinos!
The Dallas Museum of Art is one of the 10 largest museums in the country and has been engaging people in art since 1903. The museum has a slew of family-friendly programming from open studio events to a family mystery night. One spot in particular that families need to visit is the Center for Creative Commons. From hands-on projects to Arturo's Nest, this is where the children's programming happens, and it's a place where kids can experience art on their own level. It's also right across the street from Klyde Warren Park, so be sure to head over there to sample the daily food truck offerings before heading home.
This museum in Fort Worth is the only one of its kind anywhere!! Dedicated to the women who made their way through the blazing trails of the West, you'll find artifacts, photographs and exhibits on pioneer women, cowgirls, ranchers, rodeo stars and more.
The George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum
The Museum houses approximately 43,000 gifts given to President George W. Bush and the First Lady by people around the world as well as other artifacts gathered during their time in the White House. Using artifacts, documents, photographs and videos, visitors learn about the Nation's triumphs, struggles, people and culture during President Bush's administration. Kids especially enjoy the Life in the White House exhibit where they can learn all about the First Pets and what it takes to put on a state dinner.
Located in Frisco, this museum is ideal for little train lovers! You can get a guided tour of the big trains or check out the model train exhibit, plus this is your go-to location for Day out with Thomas!
The Museum preserves the history of firefighting in Dallas through professional quality restoration and the display of vintage tools, apparatus, and memorabilia. The Museum also teaches safety through an interactive hands-on educational experience targeted for children in the second grade and older.
This living history museum is located in Dallas' first park and is filled with historic buildings and exhibits that represent the years between 1840-1910. There are special events throughout the year, including the holiday event Candlelight at Dallas Heritage Village, Jazz Age Social Sunday and the Slave Dwelling Projects.
For a museum of a different variety, head to the National Videogame Museum where you can learn all the history of video games. Explore the early days of videogaming by playing some PONG and then see the evolution of game consoles throughout the years. Guided tours happen on Sundays and you can even have your birthday party here.
8004 North Dallas Parkway Frisco, TX Online: nvmusa.org
Located in a 100,000-square-foot airplane hangar at Love Field Airport, this museum is a must-visit for aviation buffs of all ages. The museum is home to over 35,000 artifacts showcased in 13 galleries detailing the history of space and aviation. Expect to find around 30 types of aircraft and space vehicles, including a full-size model of the 1903 Wright Flyer, a replica of Sputnik I and a Chance Vought V-173 Flying Pancake. You can also watch aircraft taking off and landing at Love Field.
With so much to look forward to, a new year is the perfect time for a Bay Area family adventure. From art and science museums to playgrounds, waterparks and live theater, 2022 looks very promising! We hope you are as excited as we are—scroll down for all the details then mark your calendars and get ready for the best year yet!
The Magic of Disney (on ice!) is coming to the Bay Area. Sail away with Moana, follow Miguel to the Land of the Dead, watch Ana and Elsa skate to stop an eternal winter and laugh along with Aladdin and his Genie. Event details.
Dates: February 3-6, 2022
Stockton Arena 248 W. Fremont St. Stockton, CA 95203
Dates: February 9-13, 2022
SAP Center 525 W. Santa Clara St. San Jose, CA 95113
Dates: February 23-27, 2022
Oakland Arena 7000 Coliseum Way Oakland, CA 94621
Do Napa
Napa Lighted Art Festival After a two year hiatus, this popular lighted art festival is finally back! From January 15-March 13, take the kids to downtown Napa after dark for a series of lighted art sculptures all within four easily walkable locations. Check out the Angels of Freedom, the 10 foot rhombicosidodecahedron (say that five times as fast as you can) and the electric dandelions—all guaranteed to dazzle! Event details.
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Into the Deep: Exploring Our Undiscovered Ocean Monterey Aquarium is introducing a new exhibit set to open in Spring 2022 that brings strange and fascinating animals from the deep sea up to surface. Using robotic submarines that navigate through complete darkness, this groundbreaking exhibit collects and brings animals to the surface and then utilizes technology to mimic deep-sea conditions. Come face to face with the rarely seen bloody-belly comb jellies and other unique animals! Sign us up!!
More Magical Bridge Playgrounds Are in the Works All Over the Bay Area
Christine Lai
With openings in Redwood City and Palo Alto already, 2022 will bring us Magical Bridge Playground openings in Morgan Hill and Sunnyvale and local families are thrilled! Designed to address the needs of all children, these all-abilities playgrounds were the first of its kind in the Bay Area. More info.
Did your child inherit your devotion for Roald Dahl? You're in luck! Broadway San Jose is bringing his amazing tale, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, to the big stage—complete with songs from the original film: “Pure Imagination,” “The Candy Man” and “I’ve Got a Golden Ticket.” Tap your toes along with Charlie Bucket, Willy Wonka and the Oompa-Loompas as Charlie uses his golden ticket to experience the wonders of the marvelous chocolate factory. Event details.
Dates: January 18-23, 2022
135 W San Carlos St. San Jose, CA 9511
James Corner Field Operations
Presidio Tunnel Tops The highly anticipated Presidio Tunnel Tops is set to open in May 2022. Built on top of the Presidio Tunnels, this new national park land and scenic overlook will boast stunning views of the city, Golden Gate Bridge and more. Families will be able to picnic, enjoy a campfire circle and play at the “Outpost” natural playground. We are really excited for this one!
Jaw-dropping entertainment is heading your way! Watch these amazing athletes spin the ball, defy gravity and perform trick after trick like you’ve never seen before. This event will be a slam dunk for the entire family! Get your tickets here.
Dates: January 13-16, 2022 Location: various locations throughout the Bay Area
The Children’s Discovery Museum in San Jose offers two fun events in early 2022:
Three Kings Day program Saturday, January 8 Join us at the museum to celebrate The Three Kings story. Decorate a festive crown to wear proudly, watch Mariachi youth performers, collect gifts from the kings (chocolate coins) and watch a short video in the theater to learn more about this widely celebrated story.Event details.
Lunar New Year Party Saturday, February 12 Celebrate the Year of the Ox at the Children’s Discovery Museum’s annual Lunar New Year party. Event details.
180 Woz Way San Jose, CA 95110
Harry Potter & the Cursed Child at The Curran Theater
With 24 major awards in the U.K., this show is sure to be a hit in San Francisco! Bring the entire family and watch Harry Potter—now an adult with three children of his own—in this award-winning show. Best for kids 10 and older. Performances begin Jan. 2022. Event details.
Mark your calendars! This in-person, all-day event includes art activities, in-gallery conversations and entertainment. Free for all Bay Area families! Event details.
Date: March 5, 2022
de Young Museum 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive San Francisco, CA 94118
It's back! The five-day Bay Area Science Festival will be in-person this spring! Bring the entire family and experience the wonder of science through hands-on activities, interviews with scientists and STEM story times. Stay tuned here for the full schedule and details about how to participate! Bonus: most Bay Area Science Festival events are FREE!
Finally, we’ve got something to look forward to! Mark your calendars for June 14 as the LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Bay Area is opening to the public. The ultimate indoor LEGO® playground for families will take up residence at the Great Mall in Milpitas and we’ve got the full scoop on what you can expect when you visit (including some awesome Bay Area-specific builds that you can check out!).
As the first of its kind in California, the long awaited LEGOLAND Discovery Center Bay Area originally delayed its April 2020 opening due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Following local and state capacity and safety regulations, LEGOLAND Discovery Center Bay Area will have enhanced cleaning measures implemented throughout the day to clean and sanitize the attraction, including high-frequency touchpoints, play areas, and LEGO® bricks.
California’s first LEGOLAND Discovery Center is comprised of more than 31,000-square-feet of interactive and educational attraction space geared towards children ages 3–10 and their families. Dubbed the ultimate indoor playground, its range of educational and interactive experiences includes themed build stations, master classes, an Imagination Express train ride, an earthquake table, a 4D cinema, special party rooms for birthdays and other celebrations, a café and a LEGO retail shop.
In MINILAND you can explore and interact in miniature LEGO replicas of the Bay Area’s most loved landmarks built from over 1.5 million LEGO bricks. Mischievous mini-figures can be found hiding throughout MINILAND, as guests spot the ghosts at the Winchester Mystery House, take in the views of the Golden Gate Bridge, or score a touchdown at the local football stadium.
Get Your Tickets: Single-Day Admission Passes are available for purchase online starting at $23 per person. Annual Passes are also available for purchase through the LEGOLAND Discovery Center’s website. Annual Pass holders receive unlimited access to the attraction for 12 months and benefits including café, LEGO® Shop and birthday party discounts and invites to exclusive events. The Annual Passes pay for themselves in less than three visits.
Missing your favorite museums and monuments? For now, you’ll have to settle on visiting them virtually. Or you can flip open one these books that features our favorite local stomping ground, Washington, DC. Read on for 8 books that will inspire your next DMV adventure––post quarantine.
On The Loose in Washington, DC by Sage Stossel
Remember Where’s Waldo? Why not play where’s the wildlife? The animals from the National Zoo have taken themselves for a walk beyond the Smithsonian gates. Search each page for a missing animal; can you find the monkey at the Library of Congress? Bet you can’t spot the lion on the National Mall!
Washington, DC ABCs by Mr. Boddington’s Studio
A is for the Air and Space Museum. B is for Ben’s Chili Bowl. C is for Capitol Hill. Teach the alphabet with this delightfully illustrated book featured iconic DC landmarks. Preorder now (avail. June 22)!
Urban Animals of Washington, DC by Isabel Hill
Go on a zoofari right here in DC! This book explores animals hidden within the District’s architecture and monuments. With cute rhymes and black and white photographs, this paperbound romp through the DMV will inspire your next walk outdoors.
The Otter and the Owl go to Washington, DC, by Chris Collier Best buds, Owl and Otter, fly to DC to check out all the city has to offer. Visiting sights made famous by history, wise Owl tells Otter all about what happened and why each place is so special. Otter can’t help but be awed by the stories and people, who courageously fought for our country, passed laws, and strove for equality. Owl and Otter visit the usual suspects such as 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue (Otter may or may not have been chased by the Secret Service!), the Washington Monument, Library of Congress, and even manage to hit a few off the beaten path places too! Kiddos will love flying around with Owl and Otter, while Mamas and Papas will love the history lessons Owl imparts to us all.
Good Night Washington, DC, by Adam Gamble Pint-sized fans of the Goodnight Our World books will love reading about what happens in their own backyards. Good Night Washington, DC explores the city from a child’s point of view by visiting everything from the Library of Congress, Springtime at the Tidal Basin (hello Yoshino Cherry Blossoms), dinosaurs at the Natural History Museum, to making money at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, and of course checking out the White House. Whether you’ve lived here for decades, or just moved here a few months ago, Good Night Washington, DC allows you to explore the city through your children’s eyes. Simple, beautiful and full of wonder.
Larry Gets Lost in Washington, DC, by John Skewes and Andrew Fox Uh Oh! Larry the pup is back and this time he’s lost in DC. Did he take the parkway instead of the beltway?! Help Larry find his owner, Pete by sniffing around the Capitol, nosing through Cherry Blossoms, and saluting President Lincoln. Not only does Larry go on an adventure through our capital city, but you can take your kiddos on a ride through time by teaching them facts (written within the story) about Arlington Cemetery, the Supreme Court, the founding of America and more. Larry might have gotten lost following the scent of treats, but your little ones will know the way to their favorite DC site after following this “tail”.
Washington, DC, History for Kids: The Making of a Capital City, with 21 Activities, by Richard Panchyk Older kiddos who fancy themselves history buffs should read this book stat. From the early 17th century (before DC was a twinkle in the founding fathers’ eyes) to the earthquake in 2011, Washington, DC, History for Kids: The Making of a Capital City tells the story of the District of Columbia through hands on fun including how to build a cornerstone (since there are quite a few residing around here), taking pictures of famous buildings, and visiting the Botanic Gardens. This book is perfect for at-home activities as well as helping with homework, collecting DC-centric items and even doodling some cartoon politicians.
Clifford Goes to Washington, by Norman Bridwell Miniature purists who can’t get enough of the big red dog will be delighted when Clifford bounds off fur adventures in the nation’s capital with his pal Riley. Not only does Clifford meet the First Lady, but he also gets to check out some of the best parts of DC. Clifford swims in the Potomac (ick!), visits Abraham Lincoln, gets tackled by the Secret Service (!), and even visits a protest…err demonstration. Don’t be surprised when your little ones vote Clifford for President come November! And, maybe you will too!
I get it. As parents, talking to our children about what to do in the event of an earthquake isn’t high on the list as far as fun conversations go. But it’s one that’s been especially relevant in recent months, considering the high number of earthquakes that occurred in Southern California earlier this summer. I’ve spoken with dozens and dozens of parents who are in the process of formulating their family’s emergency plans with their LadyBugOut bags, and the same concern keeps surfacing: “I want my child to be prepared, but I don’t want to scare them.”
If that sounds like you, here’s the good news: While your conversation about earthquakes with your child needs to be truthful and straightforward, that doesn’t mean the conversation is automatically going to be terrifying. The calmer and more prepared you are to have this conversation, the more that sense of calm and confidence will be transmitted to your child.
Here are four central talking points you can use as a jumping-off point when it is time to talk to your child about what to do in the event of an earthquake:
1. Drop, cover, and hold on. According to the Earthquake Country Alliance official rescue teams from around the globe, as well as emergency managers, researchers, and school safety advocates, all agree that “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” is the appropriate action to remain safe during earthquakes. Dropping to hands and knees will help your child remain stable. If there are tables or desks nearby, tell them to crawl beneath one and hold on to the legs. If there is not such a structure nearby, instruct them to hold onto their neck with both arms and hands and stay away from windows and doorways. Practice makes perfect, and this is a good opportunity to turn it into a little “drop, cover, and hold on” game!
2. If an earthquake happens at night, stay in bed. Tell them to roll onto their stomachs and cover the back of their necks and heads with their hands (similar to the “cover” situation in “drop, cover, and hold on”) while they wait for you to come to get them.
3. If an earthquake happens and they’re outside, find an open space. Instruct them to stay away from buildings, streetlights, powerlines, trees, or anything tall that could fall over.
4. Always have a pair of shoes nearby. Earthquakes create debris and can disrupt the surfaces we normally walk on. One of the most common injuries during an earthquake is cut feet; ask your child to tie a pair of shoes to their bed or store a special pair underneath it, and periodically check in with them to make sure they know exactly where their shoes are.
One last thing to keep in mind: Every conversation you have with your child about emergency preparedness is part of the bigger aim of helping them develop that all-important attribute: Resilience. Cultivating resilience is a win-win, because not only will it help your child to better cope in any emergency situation they may face, but they’ll also be better equipped to handle the smaller challenges and disappointments that are much more common in our everyday lives.
As both a medical officer in the Air Force Reserve and a biotech strategist, Linda has combined her military and civilian career experience to found LadyBugOut. Linda has deep expertise in disaster preparedness, and believes that communities become more resilient when individuals take responsibility for preparing their families.
Emergency preparation is my passion, and it’s how I spend a lot of my “free” time. Why? Because practicing for an emergency or disaster helps build the skills and muscle memory that’s necessary to best adapt to situations that are intense and potentially catastrophic. And it’s an ongoing practice: Despite decades of experience as a medical officer in the Air Force Reserve, you’ll still find me spending parts of my weekends teaching at CERT refresher trainings, observing disaster exercises hosted by local emergency planners and the Red Cross, or taking FEMA courses of interest.
It’s something that I knew would help me and my family feel empowered and confident as we move through our everyday lives. But what I didn’t anticipate was how early on my 4-year-old daughter would observe my passion for emergency preparation, and that she would start expressing interest and curiosity herself at such a young age.
I knew from my research that 1) children want to help and learn, and 2) interaction builds confidence, thus lowering anxiety in the event that an emergency occurs. Living in Los Angeles, I also knew that my daughter would be exposed to this topic in casual conversation, see it in the news, and maybe even hear about it from her friends.
Thus, EmBug’s disaster preparation journey began, and I used her natural curiosity as a jumping-off point. Here’s how I framed some of the conversations we had in a way that is appropriate for a child around her age:
The reason why I’m spending time learning about disaster planning:
When she wanted to know where I was going, what I was reading, and of course, that famous question of four-year-olds—why?!—we would talk about how I want to help people learn what to do in case of an emergency. I would explain that I was going to events where I could talk with other helpers.
For example, during an evacuation drill hosted by the city, I told her I was going to go talk to the firemen, police officers, and other emergency services teams. She asked if she could go, and she was so excited that morning, and so curious. During the event, she got a chance to turn off a demo gas valve from the local gas company and explore a fire truck with the fire chief. At another emergency fair, a local Topanga fireman taught her how to put out a fire with a fire extinguisher. Pretty cool stuff in the book of a four-year-old.
How I answer whether a disaster is going to happen soon:
At one point, my daughter specifically began to ask about earthquakes; first, she asked what an earthquake was, and I responded with a simple statement: “We live in a city where sometimes the earth shakes.”
Naturally, her next question was about when they happen, to which I answered truthfully: “No one knows.” Over the course of the next few weeks, we discussed what we would do when it happened and listened to clips of KPCC’s “The Big One” podcast, because she asked me what an earthquake sounds like.
Curiosity is contagious, and knowledge is power:
At school during an interactive supply check, she rolled herself up like a burrito with an emergency solar blanket and was so excited to laugh and show her friends.
When the Ridgecrest quake hit last month, we were in Portugal with several families from Los Angeles. Em overheard the adults discussing the earthquake, and because she already had an understanding that that could happen, she focused not on asking why, but instead on sharing what everyone needed to do. I’d never felt prouder of my little girl, whose curious spirit has allowed us to connect on this topic.
Despite misconceptions that conversations about emergency events are inherently scary, a big part of LadyBugOut’s mission is to help foster an environment for you and your family that is engaging and empowering. And it’s something that can be done at your home with ease.
If you’re unsure of where to begin, the bag itself is an excellent conversation starter: Leave your child’s LadyBugOut bag in a safe spot that’s in plain sight, and set aside time to explore all its contents. Each item opens up an opportunity to have a conversation and get a sense of what your child is curious about.
As both a medical officer in the Air Force Reserve and a biotech strategist, Linda has combined her military and civilian career experience to found LadyBugOut. Linda has deep expertise in disaster preparedness, and believes that communities become more resilient when individuals take responsibility for preparing their families.
It’s a reality that natural disasters are more common and destructive than ever, and have the potential to strike at any time. But did you know that children are one of the most vulnerable populations amidst a disaster, and also critical to a community’s recovery?
As a teacher of disaster planning and after the birth of my daughter, I was driven to ask the same questions many parents I know had as well. 1. How and when do you start to prepare a child for a natural disaster? And 2. How do you talk about it in an age appropriate manner where the conversation leaves your child feeling secure and empowered instead of more scared?
What I learned, was comforting. I found that with the more knowledge children have and practice they gain, the more prepared and resilient they can become. As parents we witness this every day. Our little ones evolve from taking tentative first steps to confidently running sprints. Like any new skill, it doesn’t happen overnight. Family preparedness needs to be practiced and developed over time.
Armed with this new knowledge, I consulted LadyBugOut advisor Dr. Susan Ko, Child Psychologist and former Co-Managing Director of the National Center for Child Trauma Stress. She shared some universal tips on how to approach the subject of disasters with children:
Stay calm, collected, and confident. Whatever you say, your children will remember the feeling in addition to the words. Reframe “fear” to “calm.”
Plan for a series of small conversations. Share knowledge clearly and often.
Follow your child’s lead. Encourage them to ask questions.
Answer questions directly. Keep it factual.
“I don’t know” is an opportunity to look it up together.
Since I live in a major earthquake zone (Los Angeles), I first practiced with my daughter and was inspired by the outcome. The conversation I had with her went like this, “Em! Did you know that we live in a place where the earth shakes sometimes?” I paused to give her the chance to lead the conversation. She replied, “oh-ok, but when?” My response was simple and truthful, “Honey no one knows exactly when, but if you figure it out we can retire!” The conversation ended there and she didn’t mention it again for weeks. Over time, she began asking follow-up questions about what she should do, what an earthquake might sound like and so on. To address these questions, we practiced “Drop, Cover, Hold” in various places, and even listened to a small segment of the NPR Podcast, The Big One. When the recent Ridgecrest earthquake occurred and she heard adults talking about it, she chimed in proud to share her knowledge on what to do to keep her friends safe.
My four-year old may not be the one to save our family during a quake, but through the conversations we’ve had and the practice drills we’ve done, she has built confidence and feels prepared. Through preparing for an earthquake, she is developing her resilience. What I always tell parents is to start with your own knowledge and expertise regarding their child and be authentic. You don’t need to know it all.
Regardless of the disaster type, it’s important that you:
Educate yourself about the risks, resources, needs to keep your family safe in the event of a natural disaster.
Focus a plan for reunification. Discuss where to meet to keep everyone safe.
Have emergency supplies including food, water, medical, and safety items.
Communicate this plan to your community – both locally in your neighborhood and to a dedicated out of town contact.
For each disaster type, here are the most important tips for families with small children below.
Earthquakes
Everyone needs to know how to “Drop, Cover and Hold on”
If an earthquake occurs at night discuss the importance of staying in bed with your children. Advise them to roll on to their stomachs and cover their head and neck and wait for you to come get them
If inside and you don’t have a large object to seek cover under, drop where you are, avoiding windows, lighting fixtures or furniture that could fall
If outside find an open space and stay there—move away from buildings, streetlights, or trees
Remember the #1 injury in an earthquake is cut feet, so tie shoes to your bed or keep sneakers underneath to protect your feet
Wildfires
If you see a wildfire, call 911. You may be the first person to have spotted it. Ensure your kids know this number as well
If emergency officials tell you to evacuate, evacuate!
Be aware that smoke and ash can travel for miles so to limit exposure. Stay indoors, avoid strenuous play and exercise, keep doors and windows shut and set air conditioners to recirculate air.
N95 masks help to keep harmful particles out of the air you breathe, but they should only be worn if they have a proper fit.
Turn on outside lights and leave all the lights on inside the house. This will help it be seen in heavy smoke.
Tornados
If you are in a building:
Go to a safe room such as a basement, cellar, or lowest building level, be sure to bring items of comfort for your children such as lovies or stuffed animals
If there is no basement, go to an inside room like a closet or hallway.
Stay away from corners, windows, doors, and outside walls and do not open windows.
If you are outside with no shelter nearby:
Get into a vehicle and buckle your seatbelt. Put your head down below the windows and cover your head with your hands and a blanket, coat, or other cushion.
If there is no car or shelter, try to find a ditch or area lower than the ground and lie down. You are safer in a low, flat location than under a bridge or highway overpass
Hurricanes
Stay away from windows and glass doors. They could break and hurt you.
Don’t go outside when the rain or winds stop. This is the eye of the storm, or a short “rest,” and it will start again.
If need be, stay inside a closet or a room without windows. You can also lie on the floor under a table or sturdy object.
We know that preparing for disasters is daunting. On top of everything else to do and worry about as a parent, sometimes, the last thing you want to do is prepare. As I have worked with hundreds of families just this past year, what I always tell parents is that preparedness is a state of mind, not a one-time task. Do one thing differently tomorrow. Over time, preparedness will be a part of your family culture and each supply, task, drill, and conversation can bring your family safer, together.
As both a medical officer in the Air Force Reserve and a biotech strategist, Linda has combined her military and civilian career experience to found LadyBugOut. Linda has deep expertise in disaster preparedness, and believes that communities become more resilient when individuals take responsibility for preparing their families.
