Stay Calm, Stay Safe

Including stress-relief items in your emergency kit is a valuable and often overlooked aspect of emergency preparedness. Here's information on the importance of staying calm and how stress-relief items can contribute to your overall safety during emergencies:

1. Emotional Resilience: During an emergency, it's natural to feel fear, anxiety, and stress. However, maintaining emotional resilience is crucial for making sound decisions and taking appropriate actions. A calm mind is better equipped to assess the situation and respond effectively.

2. Reducing Panic: Panic can spread quickly in emergency situations, leading to chaos and potentially dangerous situations. Having stress-relief items on hand can help individuals, especially children and vulnerable individuals, stay calm and prevent panic from escalating.

3. Distraction: Books, games, puzzles, or other forms of entertainment can provide a welcome distraction during prolonged emergencies or evacuation situations. Engaging in an enjoyable activity can help pass the time and reduce stress.

4. Normalization: Familiar activities like reading a book or playing a game can help create a sense of normalcy and routine during a chaotic time. This can be particularly beneficial for children who may find comfort in familiar activities.

5. Occupying Time: In some emergency situations, you may find yourself waiting for help or for conditions to improve. Stress-relief items can help occupy your time and reduce the feeling of helplessness or boredom.

6. Promoting Mental Health: Long-term stress during and after an emergency can have negative effects on mental health. Having stress-relief items in your emergency kit can contribute to maintaining your mental well-being during and after the crisis.

7. Enhancing Communication: Clear and effective communication is vital during emergencies. Being in a calm state of mind makes it easier to communicate with emergency responders, family members, and others involved in the situation.

Examples of stress-relief items to consider including in your emergency kit:

• Books: Choose books that are engaging and easy to read, perhaps including a mix of fiction and non-fiction.

• Games: Include portable board games, playing cards, or small travel-sized games that can be enjoyed by family members or fellow evacuees.

• Puzzles: Jigsaw puzzles or crossword puzzles can be mentally engaging and provide a sense of accomplishment when completed.

• Coloring Books and Crayons: Coloring can be a soothing and creative activity, especially for children.

• Notebook and Pen: Keeping a journal or writing down thoughts and experiences can be therapeutic during stressful times.

• Music: If possible, include a small portable music player or instruments for those who find solace in music.

In summary, incorporating stress-relief items into your emergency kit can help you and your loved ones maintain a calm and focused mindset during challenging situations. These items not only contribute to emotional well-being but can also aid in communication, decision-making, and overall safety during emergencies.