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February 18, 2006
Parent Event in Silver Spring: Disaster Prep for Families
Since the 9/11/2001 attacks - and more recently during the hurricanes that took out New Orleans - DC parents have been struggling with how to talk to their kids about disasters, destruction, and fear. How do you answer questions? How much do you share? Does your approach depend on your child's age and/or personality? Does active preparation for a disaster tend to comfort, or distress, a child?
I don't know the best answers to all of these questions, but Heather Blanchard, deputy director at the Department of Homeland Security's "Ready Campaign," has insight to share. Blanchard will be giving a free talk for local parents on Wednesday, February 22 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. and again from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. at St. Luke's Lutheran Church in Silver Spring (9100 Colesville Rd.)
The event is FREE and open to the public. No reservations needed.
Child care is available and FREE, but you must call in advance to reserve a space: 301.588.0818 (ext 235).
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security and The Ad Council recently launched "Ready Kids," a family-friendly tool to help parents and teachers educate children ages 8 to 12 about emergencies and how they can help their families better prepare. "Ready Kids" is the newest addition to the Ready Campaign, a national public service campaign designed to educate Americans to prepare for and respond to emergencies - including both natural disasters and potential terrorist attacks.
Though the materials were specifically designed for the 8-12 age group, the topic - and the tips and information that will be shared at this event - are important and useful to ALL families. So consider going even if you have tiny tots.
BTW, all parents and children are invited to supper (free will donation) in the church's Bieber Hall at 6:30 p.m., between the two sessions.
For directions and more info, go to the St. Luke's website.
Posted by Sarah at February 18, 2006 8:13 PM.
