War Survival Explained by Kids

💡 What Is War?

War is when countries or groups fight using weapons and armies. This can damage buildings, roads, and homes and make places unsafe for people.

🛟 Your Only Job: War is not something children are responsible for fixing. Stay calm, stay close to trusted adults, and follow safety instructions.

• 🏠 Homes & Buildings: War can damage or destroy places where families live and work.
• 👨‍👩‍👧 Families Move: Many families may have to leave their homes temporarily to stay safe.

🧠 The Big Rule During War

The most important rule of all: Always follow the adults.

🏠 Extra Safety Preparation

Simple things families can do to stay safer.

• 👟 Shoes by Your Bed: If glass breaks, you won't hurt your feet.
• 🪟 Close Windows: This reduces flying glass and debris.
• 📦 Tape on Windows: Tape in a cross (X shape) can help reduce how glass shatters (only if adults decide to).
• 🛏️ Sleep Away From Windows: Interior rooms are safer.
• 🪟 Close Curtains: Closed curtains reduce glass shattering inside the room.
• 🧰 Fire Extinguisher & First Aid Box: Keep them in a safe room.

🚨 If You Hear Loud Sounds

You might hear: 🚨 Sirens · 💥 Explosions · 🚁 Helicopters · ✈️ Low planes · 📢 Loud announcements

• 01 · Stop what you are doing.
• 02 · Go to the safest place nearby.
• 03 · Move away from windows immediately: glass can break suddenly; distance from windows matters.
• 04 · Stay low if instructed.
• 05 · Stay close to your trusted adult.

If an adult says “Move now”, move quickly and calmly.

🏠 Safe Places

These are the safest spots to go to.

• 🏠 Basement: Underground and away from windows, one of the safest spots.
• 🛟 Shelter: A designated safe place built for protection during emergencies.
• 🚪 Room With No Windows: No windows means no broken glass. Stay as low as possible.
• 🧱 Hallway or Strong Inside Wall: Interior walls provide extra protection from outside dangers.
• 🪜 Windowless Stairwells: Enclosed stairwells are sturdy and protected from outside impact.

🎒 If You Need to Leave Quickly

Sometimes families must leave home fast. Only take what adults tell you to take.

• 💧 Water
• 🍎 Snacks
• 💊 Medicine
• 🧥 Warm Clothes
• 📄 Important Documents
• 🔋 Phone Charger
• 🧸 Comfort Item

🚫 Things Kids Should Never Do

If you see something unusual: leave it alone and tell an adult immediately.

• 1 · 🚫 Touch strange objects: unknown items on the ground could be very dangerous.
• 2 · 🚫 Pick up items from the ground: even things that look harmless could be harmful.
• 3 · 🚫 Run off alone: staying with your group keeps everyone safer.
• 4 · 🚫 Go back for toys or pets without permission: always ask an adult first; safety comes before belongings.
• 5 · 🚫 Believe rumors from strangers: only trust information from your trusted adults.

👮 Safe Adults to Look For

If separated, say clearly: “I'm lost. Please help me find my parent or guardian.”

• Parent / Guardian: Your first choice; always try to find your own family first.
• Police: Officers are trained to help children who are lost or in danger.
• Medics: Medical workers in uniform can help keep you safe.
• Teachers: If you are near a school, teachers are trusted adults.
• Rescue Workers: Firefighters and emergency responders are there to help.
• Parents With Kids: Families with children are generally safe people to approach.

🌟 Helpful Safety Habits

Practice these every day, before any emergency happens.

• ✔ Know phone numbers: memorise at least one adult's phone number by heart.
• ✔ Know your home address: be able to say your full address clearly to any adult.
• ✔ Stay with trusted adults: never leave a safe place or group without telling an adult.
• ✔ Practice emergency plans: walk through your family's plan so everyone knows what to do.
• ✔ Know your safe room: identify the safest room in your home: no windows, interior wall.

⚠️ Important War Safety Facts