Activity

• Supervise Internet Use: Ensure that children are supervised at all times while using the internet for research. Monitor the websites they visit to ensure they are age-appropriate and safe.
• Set Clear Online Safety Rules: Establish clear rules about online safety, such as not sharing personal information, not clicking on unknown links, and reporting any inappropriate content to an adult immediately.
• Emotional Support: Natural disasters can be distressing topics for children. Be prepared to offer emotional support, answer questions, and guide discussions in a sensitive and age-appropriate manner.
• Safe Art Supplies: Ensure that art supplies are non-toxic and child-friendly. Keep small items like beads or buttons out of reach of young children to prevent choking hazards.
• Emergency Preparedness: While discussing disaster preparedness, emphasize the importance of having a family emergency plan and emergency kit at home. Encourage children to involve their families in creating these plans.
• Physical Environment: Create a safe physical environment by ensuring that the workspace is free of hazards such as loose wires, sharp objects, or clutter. Provide comfortable seating and good lighting to prevent accidents.
• Encourage Positive Messaging: When writing messages for affected communities, emphasize empathy, support, and positivity. Encourage children to think about how their words can provide comfort and hope to those in need.

Warnings and precautions for the activity:

• Ensure adult supervision during internet use to monitor online content and ensure safe browsing.
• Be mindful of emotional reactions to the sensitive topic of natural disasters; provide support for any distress or anxiety.
• Check for any allergies to art supplies or sensitivities to discussing traumatic events.
• Prevent physical hazards by keeping art supplies organized and away from young children to avoid choking or injuries.
• Consider individual emotional readiness for discussing potentially distressing topics and provide a safe space for expression.

• Minor cuts or scrapes from handling art supplies or sharp objects:
  
  • Wash your hands with soap and water before attending to the child.
  • Wear disposable gloves if available.
  • Clean the wound with water and mild soap.
  • Apply an antiseptic ointment.
  • Cover the cut with a sterile bandage.
• Allergic reactions to art supplies or materials:
  
  • If a child shows signs of an allergic reaction (e.g., rash, itching, swelling), stop the activity immediately.
  • Check if the child has any known allergies and if an epinephrine auto-injector is available for severe allergic reactions.
  • Seek medical help if the reaction is severe or if breathing difficulties occur.
• Trips or falls while moving around the workspace:
  
  • Keep the workspace clear of obstacles and ensure adequate lighting.
  • If a child falls, assess for injuries and provide comfort.
  • Apply ice or a cold compress to any bumps or bruises.
  • Monitor the child for signs of a concussion (e.g., dizziness, confusion) and seek medical help if needed.
• Eye irritation from art supplies or dust:
  
  • If a child gets a foreign object in their eye, do not rub the eye.
  • Gently flush the eye with clean water or saline solution.
  • If the irritation persists, seek medical attention.
• Burns from hot art supplies or devices:
  
  • Immediately cool the burn under running water for at least 10 minutes.
  • Remove any clothing or jewelry near the burn area.
  • Cover the burn loosely with a sterile gauze or clean cloth.
  • Seek medical attention for severe burns or if the burn covers a large area.