Natural disasters and children
hanineNatural disasters are every natural phenomenon that poses a danger to man and threatens his existence. They cause destruction and devastation in the areas where they occur. The International Civil Protection Organization defines natural disasters as unexpected accidents caused by the forces of nature or human action, resulting in massive loss of life and property. A sudden and unexpected shift in the normal way of life of a person.
Types and causes of natural disasters:
There are many types of natural disasters, some of them are caused by nature, and others are the result of human actions. Here are some types of natural disasters:
- Earthquakes: Tremors in the tectonic plates, which divide the Earth’s crust into parts, cause earthquakes and lead to collapses in buildings located above or near the crust. Uneven heating in the mantle leads to currents that move tectonic plates.It’s worth noting that sensitive scientific instruments identify thousands of small earthquakes that occur daily, but humans do not notice them.
- Volcanoes: Volcanoes arise due to the high temperature of the earth’s core, as this high temperature pushes rocks from its interior to the surface of the earth with a cloud of ash, and a group of gases and lava with high temperatures that melt everything in front of it. Volcanic eruptions result in other natural disasters such as tsunamis and the destruction of surrounding villages and crops.
- Floods: Water floods occur due to the abundance of water resulting from heavy rains, and the melting of snow, which causes flooding in rivers, water ponds, or lakes. As often heavy rains cause a flow rate greater than the tolerance. Therefore, water goes out of its natural streams, such as sewage and rivers. These sewers are clogged with waste and other things. As a result, water spills out into the streets and homes, causing severe damage and loss of life.
- Tsunami: It is a huge sea wave of high energy. Other natural phenomena, such as earthquakes, volcanoes, and landslides at the bottom of the seas and oceans, cause it. The tsunami wavelength may reach 100 km. In addition to its enormous speed and great pressure, which results in great human and material losses.
How do we protect our children?
To protect our children from natural disasters, we must follow some important measures:
First, an emergency plan should be prepared for the whole family to know the steps to follow in the event of any disaster.
Secondly, we must teach children how to act in an emergency and use the necessary tools to keep them safe.
Another important thing is to properly store essential items such as water, food, and medicine. Avoid disaster-risk areas such as those prone to floods, earthquakes, or tsunamis.
Finally, people should ensure that they secure furniture and household items well to avoid injuries or losses in the event of natural disasters.
How do we explain to our children about natural disasters?
Parents should explain natural disasters to children simply and understandably by playing sketches and short stories. They can also use age-appropriate toys.To explain the occurrence of these natural disasters such as tsunamis, earthquakes, and floods. And focus well on how to act in the event of their occurrence. We can also explain the importance of the family’s emergency plan and urge them to participate in developing it and the guidelines it should include to keep them safe during and after a natural disaster. The cornerstone of this process is to talk understandably and simply in different ways several times to keep them safe.
you can also check Child Protection program
