I prepared my sons for emergencies. We practiced fire drills, which included climbing out of their second-story bedrooms using an escape ladder. They wore a lanyard with a whistle when we shopped in crowds, or they went to the men’s room alone.
Along the way, I told them that in emergencies, we break the rules—obvious to adults but not to children.
My boys were to use their judgement and not listen to an older relative who lived with us. That was a hard one.
They were to abandon any possession, especially if they needed to run. Children have been hurt because they were drilled to take care of schoolbooks and bikes.
They were allowed to break anything that stood in their way.
After my sons were grown, I learned tips that I wish I had known.
When escaping with children, have them hold your belt or shirt so you don’t waste time checking on them.
Give specific instructions, such as “Run to the Wal-Mart greeter” rather than “Run.”
Children are silent when drowning—not like television.
As school activities resume, I need to remind the children in my life to break the rules.
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