Children's Safety Pack

For children. Read it together with a grown-up.

1. Know who you are

Learn your full name, your grown-ups' names and one phone number. Practise saying them.

2. Siren? Go!

When you hear a siren or alarm, go straight to the shelter with your grown-up. Don't stop to look.

3. Strange object? Stop!

If you see something strange on the ground (a metal object, a wire, even a toy), STOP. DON'T TOUCH. Walk back the way you came. Tell a grown-up.

4. Lost? Stay and ask

Stay where you are or go to your meeting place. Ask a police officer, a helper in a uniform or vest, or a mother with children for help. Show them your ID card.

5. Only safe water

Only drink water a grown-up says is safe. Wash your hands with soap before eating and after the toilet.

6. Feelings are OK

Feeling scared, sad or angry is normal. Talk to a grown-up you trust, draw a picture or hug someone.

My ID card

For grown-ups: talking to children about crisis

• Find out what they already know. Listen first.
• Use simple, honest words suitable for their age. It's OK to say "I don't know."
• Reassure them: you are doing everything to keep them safe, and it is not their fault.
• Practise the six steps above as a game: say the phone number, walk to the shelter, play 'stop, don't touch'.
• Keep routines, play and school or learning wherever possible. Limit news and violent images.
• Watch for changes that last weeks (not sleeping, not eating, withdrawal) and seek support.

Free printable guides and the HAVEN offline survival app: havensurvival.com