Earthquakes and Children - 10 base Sense Tips For Parents

The immense earthquake that hit Haiti has left us all a bit wobbly-kneed. No matter how well-prepared we may or may not be, a 7.0 earthquake is a devastating force of nature. Unfortunately, Haiti is one of the poorest countries in the world, and was well not ready for an earthquake of this magnitude.

Every region in the world experiences some kind of natural disaster; tornadoes, hurricanes, blizzards, tsunamis, typhoons, cyclones, volcanic eruptions, flash floods, and, of course, earthquakes. There is at least one earthquake fault under every American state. Some faults are more active than others, but the possibility of a seismic event is very real.

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The media, as usual, is using this horrific and frightful event to boost their ratings. The swine flu pandemic just did not work out for them as they had hyped...I mean, hoped. So, now, they're all aflutter over this real disaster, and are exploiting it the hilt. If only they were campaigning to raise funds and humanitarian efforts for the citizen of Haiti. But, as with most headline news stories, the adage, "follow the money," holds true. High ratings equate to higher advertising dollars. The media moguls will never let a good tragedy go to waste.

During elections, we're told to vote for so and so because he (or she) is "for the children." But, has anything in control of programming considered what supervene the footage of death and destruction is having on impressionable children?

What can you, as parents, do to safe your children from these nightmarish visions that are on your big-screen televisions?

Here are 10 coarse sense tips for parents:

Children should not be allowed to watch the news while footage of the devastation is being aired. If they've already seen the images, sit down and ask them what they are feeling. Calm them down. Discuss the types of natural disasters you have in your region. Clarify the scientific reasons behind these occurrences. Go to the library and read a book together about earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, and other natural phenomena. Facts is power. The more your child understands, the less likely he is to be overwhelmed with fear. Do some progress planning with your family. Keep urgency supplies in your house, garage, car, and at your place of employment. compose a plan of activity for emergencies. compose a meeting place where all members of your family can reunite after an earthquake, hurricane, tornado, or any other unexpected catastrophe. Find out what the urgency plans are for your child's school or day care. search your nearest fire and police stations and urgency healing rooms. Talk to your neighbors about how you can help one other after an earthquake or other disaster. Know where your gas, electric, and water main shutoffs are, and how to turn them off if there is a leak or electrical short. Make sure your older children have this Facts and are able to turn off the utilities if you're not home. If you and your family do sense an earthquake, the American Red Cross recommends that everybody Drop, Cover, and Hold under a table or desk until the shaking stops.

Earthquakes and Children - 10 base Sense Tips For Parents