How to Keep Kids Calm in an Emergency

Emergencies can be scary—even for adults. But helping kids stay calm during a crisis is about finding balance: preparing them with confidence without creating fear. So, how do you start the conversation without making them anxious? Let’s break it down together.

Start with Reassurance

Begin by reminding your child that emergencies are rare and there are always people—like parents, teachers, and first responders—ready to help. You might say, “We don’t expect emergencies, but knowing what to do helps us stay safe—just like practicing fire drills.”

Keep It Simple and Age-Appropriate

Focus on the basics without overwhelming details:

• If there’s a fire: Get low and get out. Find a safe spot outside and wait for help.
• If you’re lost: Stay where you are and look for a safe adult—preferably a mom with kids or a store employee. Aware’s Safe Haven feature can help teens find trusted locations if they’re alone.
• If you feel unsafe: Find a safe place and contact a trusted adult. If you have the Aware app, use its SOS feature to alert family immediately.

Teach Calm Through Confidence

Staying calm is essential in difficult situations, as it enables clear thinking and effective problem-solving. When we’re calm, we’re better equipped to assess the situation, think critically, and come up with solutions. To help your child develop this skill, practice deep breathing exercises together, inhaling slowly through your nose and exhaling slowly through your mouth. You can also role-play different scenarios, such as navigating a natural disaster, to help your child learn how to remain calm under pressure. A helpful phrase to remember is, “The calmer we are, the faster we can find solutions.” Repeating this phrase can help your child (and you!) stay focused and composed, even in challenging situations.

Introduce Situational Awareness Without Fear

Make situational awareness a fun habit, not a scary one:

• “Can you count how many exits are in this room?”
• “Who here looks like someone who could help you if needed?” 

Using tools like Aware’s real-time location sharing can help older kids feel more secure without making them anxious.

Practice Emergency Plans Together

To ensure your child’s safety and preparedness, take the time to review and practice your family’s safety plans together. This includes discussing emergency protocols, such as what to do in case of a fire, earthquake, or other natural disasters. Additionally, practice using safety tools like the Aware app’s SOS button, which allows your child to quickly alert you or other trusted contacts in case of an emergency. 

Answer Questions Honestly (Without Overwhelming)

Encourage your child to ask questions and answer with honesty and optimism. If they ask, “What if something happens to you?” you can say, “That’s why we have plans—so you’ll always know what to do, even if I’m not with you.”

Our Final Thoughts

Talking about emergencies doesn’t have to be scary. The goal is to turn fear into confidence. By practicing, staying positive, and keeping the conversation open, you’ll help your child feel safe, capable, and ready for anything.

📲 For extra peace of mind, explore how Aware can help your family stay connected and prepared.