Did you know that September is National Preparedness Month? Emergency situations, inclement weather, and natural disasters can occur at any time and without much notice. While disaster planning, response, and recovery efforts are typically led by adults, it is important to teach youth to also prepare for disasters. To help accomplish this, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) offers numerous resources to help involve youth in disaster planning. In honor of National Preparedness Month, let us share with you a few tips to help teach youth disaster preparedness techniques and strategies.
- FEMA’s Youth Preparedness Council
Have you heard about FEMA’s Youth Preparedness Council? This organization was created in 2012 to connect those who are interested in supporting disaster preparedness and response in their local communities. Members of the Council meet with FEMA representatives periodically in Washington D.C. to provide input on strategies and initiatives. Those interested in joining are selected based on their dedication, experience, and potential to make an impact as a youth supporter of disaster preparedness.
- Ready 2 Help Game
For younger children, FEMA has created a “Ready 2 Help” card game to help teach youth how to respond in an emergency situation. The game was designed to instruct children ages eight and above on how to react to emergency situations in a fun and simple way using a five step process: Stay Safe, Stay Calm, Get Help, Give Information, and Give Care. The game can be downloaded and printed for free by visiting www.ready.gov/game.
- Teen Community Emergency Response Team
If you are interested in a more rigorous training course for the teenagers in your life, the Teen Community Emergency Response Team is a basic training course that instructs teenagers on how to use emergency preparedness and disaster response skills. These skills include fire safety, search and rescue, team organization, and first aid. Once this course has been completed, the participant will receive a certificate of completion.
Above all, if you have any hurricane-related concerns, do not wait to contact our office. We are the community law firm here for you 24/7 to schedule a free case evaluation so that we may assist you with your hurricane insurance related questions.