Back to School Safety: Teaching Kids to Respond in a Crisis
Have you ever experienced a fear so intense that you froze in place?
That’s exactly why schools have fire drills. The goal isn’t just to get kids out of the building—it’s to train their brains to act instead of panic. Practicing scenarios is one of the most powerful preparedness tools we have. And yet, we often limit drills to school settings.
Why not practice other scenarios too—especially the ones that can happen in everyday life?
When my children were toddlers, I started a simple but powerful game: come when you're called. I made it fun and rewarding, but behind the laughter was a serious purpose. I would say, “You stand in the sandbox, and when I call your name, drop everything and run to me!” Then I’d pause a moment, call their name, and they’d race over with big smiles. Next time, it was the swings. Then the slide. Again and again, we practiced.
Eventually, it wasn’t just a game anymore. We were at a real playground, or walking near a busy street, or hiking on a trail. When I called, they came—just like we practiced. And I knew in that moment, if danger was ever present—a loose dog, a fast-moving car, or even something as simple as a stranger getting too close—I had a tool that could keep them safe.
Preparedness starts young. It doesn’t have to be scary, and it doesn’t require fancy gear (though we have plenty of that at www.survivalists-depot.com if you’re looking!). What it does require is intention, repetition, and a little creativity.
Tips for Keeping Kids Safe This School Year:
Practice coming when called in all types of settings: parks, stores, trails, sidewalks.
Role-play emergencies in a calm way: fire, getting separated, stranger danger.
Establish a family password so they know who to trust if someone else picks them up.
Make a plan for communication: Does your child know your phone number? Do they know where to go if they get lost?
As the school year begins, it’s easy to focus on backpacks and lunchboxes. But don’t forget the most important thing you can pack: preparedness. A child who knows what to do when things go wrong is a child who can stay safer.
At Survivalist Depot, we’re here to help families like yours prepare—not out of fear, but out of love. Let’s raise kids who don’t freeze in a crisis but act with confidence and calm. Just like we practiced.
