Quick Answer
Families can practice drills such as finding shelter, building a fire, and signaling for help to prepare for emergencies and build confidence in their children. These drills should be tailored to the age and abilities of the children. Practicing together can help strengthen family bonds and promote a sense of preparedness.
Creating a Shelter
When teaching children how to find shelter, start by explaining the concept of a “shelter” and why it’s essential in a survival situation. For younger children, a basic shelter can be created using a tarp or a plastic bag. Show them how to tie the shelter to a tree or a pole using rope or twine. For older children, practice building a more complex shelter using natural materials such as leaves, branches, and dirt. Teach them how to create a lean-to structure or a debris hut.
Signaling for Help
Practice signaling for help by teaching children how to use mirrors or flashlights to reflect sunlight during the day. Show them how to create a smoke signal during the day and night by burning dry leaves or green branches. Teach them how to use a whistle to signal for help, and demonstrate how to use a whistle to send a specific signal (3 short blasts for help, 2 long blasts for a response). Practice these signals in a controlled environment, such as a park or a backyard.
Fire Starting
Teach children how to start a fire using a match or a lighter, and then progress to more primitive methods such as flint and steel or a bow drill. Practice starting a fire in a controlled environment, and then teach children how to maintain a fire once it’s started. Emphasize the importance of fire safety and teach them how to extinguish a fire properly. Start with simple fire starting techniques and gradually increase the difficulty level as children become more confident and skilled.
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