I Know What to Do!: A kid's guide to emergencies and how to stay safe

Emergencies can feel scary, especially for kids. Knowing what to do can make all the difference.

I Know What to Do! is a practical, reassuring, and beautifully illustrated guide that helps children and their families prepare for emergencies together. Using clear language and calm, age-appropriate guidance, it teaches kids how to recognize danger, make safe choices, find trusted helpers, and take the next safe step.

Inside, families will learn what to do during a:

• House fire
• Carbon monoxide alarm
• Natural gas leak
• Power outage
• Dangerous spill
• Medical emergency
• Winter storm
• Thunderstorm
• Heat wave
• Wildfire
• Tornado
• Flood
• Earthquake
• Tsunami
• Unsafe person threat
• Getting lost
• Finding something dangerous

The book also introduces family emergency plans, safe meeting places, emergency kits, important phone numbers, communication tools, way to practice, and how to recover after a real event.

Each topic is presented in a simple, easy-to-follow format that families can read together, discuss, and practice. Every section features a full-page colour illustration, helping children understand and remember important safety actions without making emergencies feel overwhelming.

Designed as both an engaging children's book and a lasting family preparedness resource, I Know What to Do! is:

• Printed in full colour on high-quality paper
• Written for elementary school-age children and their families
• Useful at home, in classrooms, libraries, and community programs
• Made to be revisited as an ongoing preparedness resource

This is more than a book to read once. It is a conversation starter, a teaching tool, and a practical reference families can return to before, during, and after an emergency.

Preparedness does not have to begin with fear. It can begin with a calm conversation, a simple plan, and the confidence of knowing what to do.

Written in Ottawa, Canada, by Michael Brulotte, a dad and emergency management professional with more than fifteen years of experience spanning 911 operations, policing, government, hospitals, and child-focused settings.