Health Tip: When There's an Emergency

(HealthDay News) -- It''s a wise idea to talk to your kids about what to do in the event of an emergency, according to the Children''s Hospital of Philadelphia.

Here''s what you should tell them:

• In language your child can understand, explain what constitutes an emergency.
• Tell your child who might come to help -- paramedics, firefighters and police -- and what they might be wearing.
• Have your child memorize important information, such as your home address and phone number.
• Make sure he knows the emergency number for your area.

You can also role play an emergency situation, guiding your child through the following steps:

• Get to a safe place.
• Try to stay calm.
• Dial 911.
• Tell the person who answers what''s wrong.
• Don''t hang up until the other person hangs up.
• If possible, be in a spot where you can see emergency workers arrive.

-- Felicity Stone

Last Updated: Oct. 18, 2005