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<< These children in London learn about what it takes to be firefighters at an early age. Photograph by Bettman/CORBIS

Create an action plan so you and your family can be prepared if you are faced with a disaster.

On September 11, 2001, four planes were hijacked in the United States. Two of the planes destroyed the World Trade Center's twin towers in New York City, one seriously damaged the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., and another crashed into a field in Pennsylvania. When a small group of people attacks other people or property with the intent of causing fear or intimidation, they are called terrorists.

Disasters can be very scary, whether they are the work of terrorists, such as those that occurred on September 11th, or acts of nature, such as tornadoes and earthquakes. But no matter where you live, there are things you can do to help yourself, your family, and your community prepare for disasters, handle them effectively when they occur, and return to normal after they are over.

Have you ever been through a disaster? What did you and your family do to get through it? How do you think you could have been better prepared?

Here are some ways to help at home and in your community.

Younger Xpeditioners: The U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) encourages each of us to look at six ways to help us feel better after a disaster happens. Read through these suggestions and find ones that relate to your situation. For example, you may want to write a story or draw a picture that shows how you feel and share it with an adult you trust.

Older Xpeditioners: To lessen the impact of a disaster, have a plan. Many families have fire drills a few times a year so that everyone will know what to do in case of that type of emergency. Why not help your parents by gathering your family to create a family disaster plan for other types of events? You could start by helping younger siblings or relatives memorize the phone number of a relative or family friend in another state that they can call in case of emergency. The FEMA Family Disaster Plan has more ideas to help you get started.

Whether a disaster occurs near you or far away, you can probably find a way to help in your own community. Relief organizations can often use help organizing donations or preparing aid boxes for disaster victims and their families. Or you can put together care packages with cards and other non-essential items to help boost spirits.

You can also help by encouraging people in your neighborhood to contribute funds to a relief organization such as the Red Cross or donate needed supplies to organizations like the Salvation Army. Every donation, even a small one, helps.

If the disaster has a local impact, you can think about ways to help younger kids in your area. Spending time or planning an activity with them are good ways to help them feel safe.

Parents: Limit the amount of exposure your children have to the media. Images they see can have long-lasting impressions and, along with their imaginations, can cause them to be more fearful. It is also important to spend time with your children. They may have many questions and need your patience as you answer them, sometimes repeatedly. They need reassurance and a sense of security, so make sure they know you love and support them no matter what.

For more information, check out FEMA's Resources for Parents and Teachers and the Red Cross's Helping Children Cope With Trauma.