National Preparedness Month - Week 3

Teach Youth to Prepare for Disasters

The focus for Week 3 is on teaching children what they themselves can do to be “Prepared, Not Scared.” First, make sure they know what part they play in the family’s plans. If nothing else, have fun playing “what would you take if you could only take five things,” preparing them to make choices in case they need to evacuate. Consider having a little suitcase or backpack “go bag” in a specific place for each child that they can practice packing and carrying themselves.

Try playing these games by FEMA with your children:

• Build a Kit
• Disaster Master
• Ready 2 Help

Other sites worth checking out for young children include: 

• Ready Wrigley (Center for Disease Control & Prevention)
• Owlie Skywarn (National Weather Service)
• Sesame Street Fire Safety Program (U.S. Fire Administration)

For teenagers, there are many opportunities to get involved in preparedness outside of just their own home. Along with scouting and school-based programs, the Weston Emergency Reserve Corps is always looking for young leaders. Those with a particular passion for community service and disaster preparedness can even apply for FEMA’s Youth Preparedness Council and other opportunities. 

There is a role for everyone. If you are old enough to be impacted by an emergency, you are old enough to prepare for one.