A caring family sitting calmly together in a safe hallway with an emergency backpack

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.

  1. Homes & BuildingsWar can wreck where families live and work, making places unsafe.
  2. Families MoveMany families must leave their homes to stay safe for a while.
Illustration for The Big Rule During War

The Big Rule During War

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

  1. Stay with your trusted adult✔ Listen and follow instructions quickly
  2. Stay together with your group or family✔ Move calmly when adults say to move
  3. Stay quiet and alert when necessary
  4. Do not wander off alone🚫 Do not explore outside without permission
  5. Do not touch unknown objects🚫 Do not stop to pick things up from the ground
A parent taping a window in an X shape, with shoes by the bed and a first aid box nearby

Extra Safety Preparation

Simple things families can do to stay safer.

  • Shoes by Your BedBroken glass can't hurt your feet!
  • Close WindowsLess flying glass and stuff inside.
  • Tape on WindowsPut tape on glass in an X shape (if grown ups say to do it).
  • Sleep Away From WindowsInterior rooms in your house are much safer places.
  • Close CurtainsKeep glass bits from flying in your room!
  • Fire Extinguisher & First Aid BoxKeep them in a safe room.
Illustration for If You Hear Loud Sounds

If You Hear Loud Sounds

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

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

  • · Stop what you're doing now!
  • · Find the safest place fast!
  • · Move away from windowsglass can break! Get far away!
  • · Stay low if grown ups tell you to. It keeps you safe.
  • · Stay close to your trusted adult.
Illustration for Safe Places

Safe Places

These are the safest spots to go to.

  1. BasementUnderground, away from windows. One of the safest spots!
  2. ShelterA special safe place for protection during emergencies!
  3. Room With No WindowsNo windows means less broken glass. Stay low as possible here!
  4. Hallway or Strong Inside WallInside walls protect you from outside dangers very well!
  5. Windowless StairwellsEnclosed stairwells are sturdy and protected from outside impact.
A child and parent packing an emergency backpack with water, snacks, medicine, clothes and a teddy bear

If You Need to Leave Quickly

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

  1. Water
  2. Snacks
  3. MedsGo!
  4. ClothesGo!
  5. DocsKeep safe!
  6. ChargerPlug in!
  7. Comfort Item
Illustration for Things Kids Should Never Do

Things Kids Should Never Do

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

  • · 🚫 Touch strange objectsUnknown items on the ground could be super dangerous!
  • · 🚫 Pick up items from the groundEven things that look harmless can be harmful!
  • · 🚫 Run off aloneAlways stay with your group! It keeps everyone much safer.
  • · 🚫 Go back for toys without permissionAsk a grown up first; safety first!
  • · 🚫 Believe rumors from strangersonly trust information from your trusted adults.
A friendly police officer, medic, teacher, firefighter and parent with a child, all smiling

Safe Adults to Look For

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

  • Parent / GuardianYour first choice! Always find your own family first.
  • PoliceOfficers help lost or unsafe children. They are trained to do this!
  • MedicsUniformed medical staff can help keep you safe!
  • TeachersNear a school? Teachers are trusted grown ups!
  • Rescue WorkersFirefighters and EMTs are there to help you! They are safe.
  • Parents With KidsFamilies with children are good, safe people to approach.
Illustration for Helpful Safety Habits

Helpful Safety Habits

Practice these every day, before any emergency happens.

  • Know phone numberslearn a grown up's phone number by heart, friend!
  • Know your home addresstell any grown up your full address clearly!
  • Stay with trusted adultsnever leave a safe place or group without telling an adult.
  • Practice emergency planswalk through your family's plan so everyone knows what to do.
  • Know your safe roomidentify the safest room in your home: no windows, interior wall.
Illustration for Important War Safety Facts

Important War Safety Facts

  • Windows Are DangerousDuring explosions, glass can shatter and fly across an entire room, even from a closed window. 📦 Tape Helps: Tape in an X shape on windows helps hold glass together if it breaks, reducing dangerous shards.
  • Shoes Save FeetMany injuries during emergencies happen to feet from broken glass; that's why shoes by the bed matter. 🧱 Lower = Safer: Staying low during dangerous situations reduces your chance of being hurt by flying debris.

🌟 Remember These

Keep A Cool Head!

Take a deep breath! Staying calm helps you think clearly and follow instructions well.

Adults Got This!

Trusted adults know what to do. Stay close to them; it's the smartest move you can make!

Be Prepared, Not Scared

Knowing your safe room and having a ready bag means your family is prepared, just in case.

Summary

Calm Down, Take a Breath!

Take a breath. Panic makes things much harder.

Stay with Grown Ups Now!

Always stay with your grown up; never wander!

🪟 Away From Windows

Get away from windows when danger is close by now.

🏠 Go to Safe Places

Find a basement, shelter, or safe inside room now.

✔ Follow the Adults

Their instructions keep you safe. Always listen and obey.

Ready for the challenge?

War Safety Mission

You are helping your family prepare calmly for an emergency. Choose safe actions and trusted help.

📘 Dictionary

⚔️ War

Big, dangerous fighting among groups!

🛟 Shelter

A safe spot built just for protection.

🎒 Emergency Bag

Ready bag for leaving fast. So cool!

🧑 Trusted Adult

Safe grown up. Helps keep you safe.

Danger Alrt

Loud sounds for danger or help!

Run to Safe!

Go away fast for safety reasons!

You are now a War Safety expert!

Stay calm, stay close to trusted adults, and always follow the safety rules! 🛟💪