Children can feel stress deeply -- and might react in different ways. The key to helping your children cope is simply by being there and making them feel safe.

Take their fears seriously and tell them that it's okay to be scared. Explain the events as best you can and acknowledge what's frightening about what happened. Tell your kids what you think and feel. Doing so helps them feel less alone if they know their feelings are similar to yours. Maintain familiar routines, like mealtimes and regular bedtime hours. While parents can play a huge role in helping children deal with anxiety, it can be helpful to talk to a professional such as a psychologist or social worker, who can help children understand and cope with their emotions.

Source: Emergency Preparedness for Children (Government of Canada)

Teaching your children how to use 9-1-1 is crucial and could save their lives or yours. Here are four simple steps for teaching your children, no matter how old they are, how to use 9-1-1:

• First explain what 9-1-1 is
• Teach them to assess the risks before dialing 9-1-1
• Explain what type of information to give once they have called 9-1-1
• Practice scenarios with them to make them more familiar with the concept without frightening them

Source: Emergency Preparedness for Children (Government of Canada)

Younger children can cry, whine or wet the bed in emergency situations. Older children can experience an intense fear of injury or separation anxiety. Other common reactions include a fear of the dark, physical pain and eating or sleeping problems. 

Source: Emergency Preparedness for Children (Government of Canada)