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

War Survival Explained by Kids

Written for Kids. Surprisingly Useful for Adults.

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 damage or destroy places where families live and work.
  2. Families MoveMany families may have to leave their homes temporarily to stay safe.

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 BedIf glass breaks, you won't hurt your feet.
  • Close WindowsThis reduces flying glass and debris.
  • Tape on WindowsTape in a cross (X shape) can help reduce how glass shatters (only if adults decide to).
  • Sleep Away From WindowsInterior rooms are safer.
  • Close CurtainsClosed curtains reduce glass shattering inside the room.
  • Fire Extinguisher & First Aid BoxKeep them in a safe room.

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 are doing.
  • · Go to the safest place nearby.
  • · Move away from windows immediatelyglass can break suddenly; distance from windows matters.
  • · Stay low if instructed.
  • · Stay close to your trusted adult.

Safe Places

These are the safest spots to go to.

  1. BasementUnderground and away from windows, one of the safest spots.
  2. ShelterA designated safe place built for protection during emergencies.
  3. Room With No WindowsNo windows means no broken glass. Stay as low as possible.
  4. Hallway or Strong Inside WallInterior walls provide extra protection from outside dangers.
  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. Medicine
  4. Warm Clothes
  5. Important Documents
  6. Phone Charger
  7. Comfort Item

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 very dangerous.
  • · 🚫 Pick up items from the groundeven things that look harmless could be harmful.
  • · 🚫 Run off alonestaying with your group keeps everyone safer.
  • · 🚫 Go back for toys or pets without permissionalways ask an adult first; safety comes before belongings.
  • · 🚫 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 try to find your own family first.
  • PoliceOfficers are trained to help children who are lost or in danger.
  • MedicsMedical workers in uniform can help keep you safe.
  • TeachersIf you are near a school, teachers are trusted adults.
  • Rescue WorkersFirefighters and emergency responders are there to help.
  • Parents With KidsFamilies with children are generally safe people to approach.

Helpful Safety Habits

Practice these every day, before any emergency happens.

  • Know phone numbersmemorise at least one adult's phone number by heart.
  • Know your home addressbe able to say your full address clearly to any adult.
  • 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.

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

Stay Calm

Take a breath. Panic makes things harder, and calm kids can follow instructions better.

Adults Are Your Team

Trusted adults know the safety plan. Staying close to them is the smartest thing you can do.

Be Prepared, Not Scared

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

📘 Quick Summary

🧠 Stay Calm

Take a breath. Panic makes things harder.

👨‍👩‍👧 Stay Close to Adults

Always stay with your trusted adult; never wander off.

🪟 Away From Windows

Move away from windows immediately when danger is near.

🏠 Go to Safe Places

Basement, shelter, or a windowless interior room.

✔ Follow the Adults

Their instructions keep you safe. Always listen and obey.

📘 Dictionary

⚔️ War

Dangerous fighting between groups or countries.

🛟 Shelter

A safe place built for protection.

🎒 Emergency Bag

A ready bag for leaving quickly.

🧑 Trusted Adult

A safe grown-up who helps protect you.

🚨 Sirens

Warning sounds used during emergencies.

🚪 Evacuation

Leaving an area quickly for safety.

You are now a War Safety expert!

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