Do you understand the difference between concealment and cover? More importantly, do your children understand that difference? In this featured post from The Survival Mom, she explains the difference and how to apply that knowledge in real-life scenarios. Keep reading to learn more about this practical, and valuable, safety lesson. ~ The Editors
Most kids know to hide during an emergency. What they don’t know, and what could make all the difference to their safety, is that not everything you hide behind will actually protect you. There’s a word for hiding: concealment. There’s a different word for being genuinely protected: cover. They are not the same thing, and teaching your child the difference is one of the most practical safety lessons you’ll ever have.
Active threat situations happen without warning at schools, grocery stores, concerts, and places of worship. Mass casualty events have become an uncomfortable reality that parents can no longer afford to ignore, but it’s tricky to know how to bring up this topic with kids. The question isn’t whether to talk to your kids about this — it’s how to do it in a way that builds confidence instead of fear.
There are two simple concepts you can begin teaching your children today, and they take about ten minutes to explain.
First, what does gunfire actually sound like?
Kids should know what live gunfire sounds like. Believe it or not, even seasoned policemen can sometimes be fooled by the sound of a gunshot since it can sound like a car backfiring, a firecracker, or just a loud POP.
If the absolute worst happens and someone is firing a gun anywhere near your kid, they must recognize the sound. Otherwise, how will they know what to do next? Don’t rely on TV shows or movies.
Take your child to a shooting range, even if you are not going to actually shoot!
If you go to an outdoor range, park a distance away and let them hear the sound of gunfire without any ear protection. Move a little closer and let them hear a few shots without ear protection and then with ear protection. By the way, you can purchase inexpensive foam earplugs at any drugstore or Walmart. (I usually wear “foamies” along with earmuffs.)
Indoor ranges will require everyone to wear ear protection and they will loan it to you, but even with that, there will be no doubt what gunfire sounds like. You don’t have to be inside the actual range, either. Trust me. Your kids will have no difficulty hearing the sounds, even if they are just in the business area of the range or store. Gun store owners are notorious for keeping kids safe and enforcing gun-safety rules. If you ask for information or tips, you’ll be in very good hands.
Once your kids have been educated about the sound of gunfire, they will be able to identify it quickly and take action, whether it’s running away, calling for help, or taking cover. Considering that a bullet can travel thousands of feet per second, every second counts when it comes to staying safe. Compare that with the length of time required to find a phone, dial 911, give a coherent explanation of a live gunfire event to the operator, and the arrival of police… just sayin.
Continue reading “Concealment vs. Cover: Teaching Kids the Safety Skill That Could Save Their Life” at The Survival Mom.
The Women's Outdoor News, aka The WON, features news, reviews and stories about women who are shooting, hunting, fishing and actively engaging in outdoor adventure. This publication is for women, by women. View all posts by The WON
