1

YOUTH DISASTER PREPAREDNESS EDUCATION RESOURCES

Catalogue of Youth Disaster 

Preparedness Education Resources

The Catalogue of Youth Disaster Preparedness Education Resources was created to assist individuals and 

organizations with locating preparedness resources that are tailored to children and youth. Research has shown 

that youth disaster preparedness education is vital to building and maintaining resilient communities – especially 

when incorporating key recommended practices. Some examples practices include:

• Lessons for multiple grade levels and ages with material pertaining to preparedness, mitigation, 

response, and recovery;

• Interactive activities with families;

• Guest speakers representing emergency management; and

• Exercises practicing preparedness and response skills.

For more information on recommended practices in youth disaster preparedness education, review the Citizen 

Preparedness Review, Issue 6, Bringing Youth Disaster Preparedness Education to the Forefront: A Literature 

Review and Recommendations here.

FEMA recommends to those implementing youth programs, the following:

• Requiring background checks on instructors for safety precautions 

• Aligning with FEMA and Red Cross resources to ensure promoted protective actions contained within the 

program are the most current. For more information, please refer to the FEMA Are You Ready? Guide or 

the American Red Cross’s Emergency Fast Facts

• When using existing materials or developing supplemental materials and exercises, design them to be 

accessible to everyone, including youth and adults with access and functional needs. For more 

information on providing access to individuals with disabilities, and for general information on 

accessibility guidelines please refer to the Section 504 Programs and Activities Accessibility Handbook. 

For guidance on creating section508 compliant online materials refer to the Electronic and Information 

Technology Accessibility Standards. For further information on emergency management and compliance 

with the Americans with Disabilities Act, review the Citizen Corps Community Preparedness Webinar, a 

product of the Community Preparedness webinar series.

We are providing the following information and links to third party sites for your reference. FEMA does not 

endorse any non-government website, company, or application. All information provided here comes directly 

from the entities sponsoring each program. We need your help to try to make this resource as comprehensive as 

possible. To find additional preparedness programs and resources, please go to www.Ready.gov and 

www.redcross.org/beredcrossready. If you know of any programs or resources that would add to this 

compendium please forward it to citizencorps@dhs.gov. Thank you. 
 2

YOUTH DISASTER PREPAREDNESS EDUCATION RESOURCES

Summary of Youth Disaster Preparedness Programs

9-1-1 for Kids, Pre-K—Adult (Ages 4-Adult) 4

Alabama: Be Ready Camp, 6th Grade (Ages 11-12) 4

American Red Cross: Masters of Disaster, K-8th Grade (Ages 5-14) 4

American Red Cross Storm: The Dorm, Ages 18-21 5

American Red Cross: Youth Disaster Action Team (YDAT), Ages13-17 5

Boy Scouts: Emergency Preparedness Merit Badge, Ages 11-17 5

Canadian Red Cross: Bug Out! Get the Facts on Germs, K-8th Grade (Ages 5-14) 6

Civil Air Patrol: Teen Cadet Program, Ages 12–18 6

Colorado’s Responding to Emergency and Disasters with Youth (C-READY),

Ages 13-18 6

Corporation for National and Community Service: Learn and Serve America, K–Adult 

(Ages 5-Adult) 7

Department of Education: Service Learning and Volunteer Opportunities, K–Adult 

(Ages 5-Adult) 7

Delaware School Disaster Preparedness Program, 6th–12th Grade (Ages 11-18) 7

Discovery Education: Ready Classroom, K–8th Grade (Ages 5-14) 8

DoSomething.org: Disaster Response and Relief, Ages 13–15 8

Environmental Protection Agency, K–12th Grade (Ages 5-18) 8

Extension Disaster Education Network, 1st–5th Grade (Ages 6-11) 9

FEMA for Kids, K–6th Grade (Ages 5-12) 9

FEMA: Teen Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Training,

7th–12th Grade (Ages 12-18) 9

FEMA: Ready Kids, Ages 8–12 10

FEMA: Student Tools for Emergency Planning, 4th–5th Grade (Ages 9-11) 10

Fire Corps, K–Adult (Ages 5-Adult) 10

Firefacts.org, K–6th Grade (Ages 5-12) 10

Florida: Kids Get a Plan, K-5th Grade and 6th+ (Ages 5-18) 11

Girl Scouts: “Be Prepared!” Emergency Preparedness Patch, K—12th Grade

(Ages 5-18) 11

Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition: Sprinkler Smarts, K–8th Grade (Ages 5-14) 11

Home Safety Council: Code Red Rover, K–1st Grade (Ages 5-7) 11

Home Safety Council: Get Ready with Freddie!, K–1st Grade (Ages 5-7) 11

Illinois: Ready Illinois School Challenge, Middle School, High School, and College 

(Ages 11-22) 12

Indiana: Operation Safeguard 12

Learning for Life: Exploring—Law Enforcement, Ages 14–21 12

Medical Reserve Corps, K–Adult (Ages 5-Adult) 13

Michigan: American Red Cross Storm - Safe On My Own, Ages 9-11 13

National Association for Search and Rescue: Hug-a-Tree and Survive Program,

2nd–5th Grade (Ages 7-11) 13

National Crime Prevention Council: McGruff Club, 1st–5th Grade (Ages 6-11) 14

National Crime Prevention Council: Teens, Crime, and the Community,

7th–12th Grade (Ages 12-18) 14
 3

YOUTH DISASTER PREPAREDNESS EDUCATION RESOURCES

National Fire Protection Association: Sparky, K–6th Grade (Ages 5-12) 14

National Fire Protection Association: Risk Watch—Natural Disasters,

Pre-K–8th Grade (Ages 4-14) 14

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration: Weather for Kids and Students,

K–12th Grade (Ages 5-18) 15

National Volunteer Fire Council: National Junior Firefighter Program,

K–12th Grade (Ages 5-18) 15

New York City Office of Emergency Management: Ready New York for Kids,

K–5th Grade (Ages 5-11) 15

New Zealand Ministry of Civil Defence: What’s the Plan, Stan?, Ages 7–12 15

Points of Light Institute: Youth & Family Programs, K–12th Grade (Ages 5-18) 16

Ready Houston, K–5th Grade (Ages 5-11) 16

Save the Children: Resilient and Ready Program,,K-6th Grade (Ages 5-12) 16

Serve DC: Commander Ready Program, K–8th Grade (Ages 5-14) 17

Sesame Workshop: Let’s Get Ready! Planning Together for Emergencies,

Pre-K (Ages 4-5) 17

ShelterBox: Young ShelterBox USA Program 17

Texas: Teen Advocates for Community Safety (TACS), Ages 14-19 18

United States Power Squadrons: USPS 4 Kids, K–8th Grade (Ages 5-14) 18

USA on Watch, K–Adult (Ages 5-14) 18

Volunteers in Police Service: Youth-Related Activities, K–12th Grade (Ages 5-18) 18

Wisconsin: Center for School, Youth and Citizen Preparedness, Ages 13–18 19

Other Publications and Resources

American Academy of Pediatrics: Family Readiness Kit, 2nd Edition 19

American College of Emergency Physicians: Disaster Hero 19

American Red Cross: Be Red Cross Ready Safety Series Volume 4: 

A Family Guide to First Aid and Emergency Preparedness 20

American Red Cross: SeeMore’s Playhouse Video 20

American Red Cross and FEMA: Helping Children Cope with Disaster 20

American Red Cross and FEMA: Disaster Preparedness Coloring Book 20

American Red Cross and FEMA: Ready...Set...Prepare Activity Book 21

Effective Education for Disaster Risk Reduction – Teacher Network 21

National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies: 

Preparing for Disaster – the Parent View 21

NSF (National Sanitation Foundation) International: Scrub Club 21

REMS Technical Assistance Center 22

Sesame Street: Let’s Get Ready 22

United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction: Stop Disasters! 22

9-1-1 for Kids

Pre-K—Adult (Ages 4-Adult)
 4

YOUTH DISASTER PREPAREDNESS EDUCATION RESOURCES

http://www.911forkids.com

9-1-1 for Kids® is the official public education organization for law enforcement agencies, fire departments, 

emergency medical response and 9-1-1 communication centers for the U.S., Canada and the Cayman Islands; all 

countries where "9-1-1" is the universal emergency response phone number. The 9-1-1 for Kids® site offers 

information and links for training materials for public safety officials, community groups, parents, teachers and 

children. Instructional materials include: the "Presenter's Pak" (featuring “The Great 9-1-1 Adventure” video and 

"Presenter's Manual & Lesson Plan" ); "Classroom Pak" (serves 25 students: student activity sheets, stickers, book 

marks, Student Completion Certificates, classroom poster); and support teaching materials (e.g. coloring books, 

emergency wallet cards, pencils, erasers, rulers, zipper pulls, goodie bags, apparel, 9-1-1 heroes awards supplies).

The 9-1-1 Local Heroes® program aims to bring awareness to exemplary dispatchers and 9-1-1 youth heroes. 

The 9-1-1 Local Heroes® Medal of Honor, is bestowed on a young person who distinguishes himself/herself by 

gallantry and intrepidity calling 9-1-1 to help save a life or property, or to report a crime. This award is also 

presented to the 9-1-1 dispatcher/call taker who processed the call, and dispatched the appropriate emergency 

response help. Award nominations, event support and supplies are all available through www.911forkids.com.

Alabama: Be Ready Camp

6th Grade (Ages 11-12)

http://www.bereadycamp.org

Be Ready Camp was created to teach Alabama’s 6th graders about disaster preparedness and response. Topics 

range from fire safety to light search and rescue. The camp culminates with a mock disaster, where the campers 

work side by side with first responders to respond to a simulated plane crash. Using the skills learned during the 

week, such as medical triage and light search and rescue, the 6th graders are able to triage and prioritize disaster 

victims and move them out of harm’s way. In addition, the campers are able to plan out their response by working 

together as a team by efficiently delegating tasks to the suitable person and maintaining strong communication 

with each other. All Alabama residents entering the 5th grade are eligible to attend and participants are chosen 

through a competitive application process. 

American Red Cross: Masters of Disaster

K-8th Grade (Ages 5-14)

http://www.redcross.org/disaster/masters/ 

The American Red Cross Masters of Disaster® curriculum is centered on a series of ready-to-go lesson plans that 

help organizations educate youth about important disaster safety and preparedness information. Masters of 

Disaster contains lessons, activities, and demonstrations on disaster-related topics that organizations can 

incorporate into daily or thematic programming. The curriculum is non-sequential, allowing organizers to choose 

the lesson plans that best fit into their programming. The Masters of Disaster curriculum materials meet national 

educational standards and are specifically tailored for lower elementary (K–2), upper elementary (3–5) and 

middle school (6–8) classes.

The education on essential preparedness skills that students receive through the Masters of Disaster program will 

carry them through life. Lessons are enjoyable and interactive, ensuring that children are having fun while 
 5

YOUTH DISASTER PREPAREDNESS EDUCATION RESOURCES

internalizing important life skills though building capabilities in Mathematics, Language Arts, Social Studies, and 

Science.

All across the country, through The American Red Cross, young people are trained to become involved in many 

areas of Red Cross Disaster Services, including community disaster education, disaster preparation in their local 

community, and disaster response through Red Cross disaster action teams and youth disaster corps. The Red 

Cross conducts school-related activities, including fundraising, organizing blood drives, providing international 

assistance, and teaching disaster preparedness and HIV/AIDS prevention and awareness. 

American Red Cross Storm: The Dorm

Ages 18-21

http://redcrossyouth.org/resources

College age students can help their friends and prevent and prepare for disasters that could strike while they are 

away from home. Red Cross Campus Clubs offer “Storm the Dorm, Be Red Cross Ready” preparedness training 

on college campuses nationwide. This three hour interactive presentation helps students to identify hazards in 

their area, dorm safety plans, and how to build an emergency kit. 

American Red Cross: Youth Disaster Action Team (YDAT)

Ages13-17

http://redcrossyouth.files.wordpress.com/2008/09/ythindis.pdf

Youth have been involved in disaster service with the American Red Cross since 1884. Today they can continue 

this legacy of community disaster relief by becoming members of their local Youth disaster Action Team 

(YDAT). As a YDAT member youth build community awareness about local hazards; educate the community 

about how they can better prepare for, prevent and respond for disasters; and provide high-quality, timely and 

effective disaster relief when a disaster strikes. To join the YDAT in your area contact your local American Red 

Cross for orientation and disaster training opportunities. 

Boy Scouts: Emergency Preparedness Merit Badge

Ages 11-17

http://www.boyscouttrail.com/boy-scouts/meritbadges/emergencypreparedness.asp 

The Boy Scout Emergency Preparedness Merit Badge includes learning skills for preparedness, response, 

recovery and mitigation for emergency situations ranging from home emergencies, camping accidents, natural 

disasters, boating accidents, and power plant accidents. The badge requirements also include developing plans 

and checklists and working with others to help them become prepared. 

Canadian Red Cross: Bug Out! Get the Facts on Germs

K-8th Grade (Ages 5-14)

http://www.croixrouge.ca/cmslib/general/bugout_act_12_13e.pdf
 6

YOUTH DISASTER PREPAREDNESS EDUCATION RESOURCES

This program is designed to help children (grades k-8), parents, teachers and caregivers learn about the 

importance of illness prevention and control. It is a unique program that features in-class and at-home activities 

on topics including how bacteria and viruses are spread, hand hygiene, cough and sneeze etiquette, when and why 

to stay home when you are sick, immunization, and influenza pandemic preparedness.

Civil Air Patrol: Teen Cadet Program

Ages 12–18

http://www.gocivilairpatrol.com/html/teens.htm 

The U.S. Air Force Auxiliary, the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) runs a teen cadet program for youth aged 12-18. Cadets 

fly, learn to lead, hike, camp, get in shape, and push themselves. The program features instruction in the 

principles of aviation and aerospace flight, and offers cadet encampments with activities in emergency services, 

engineering, technology, physical fitness, teambuilding, and flight training. The CAP Teen program can help 

prepare youth for career in aviation, space, or the military. About 10% of the cadets at the U.S. Air Force 

Academy got their start in CAP. Cadets meet 2 hours per week and one Saturday per month, on average, and also 

have opportunities to attend leadership encampments, career academies, and international exchanges during the 

summer.

Colorado’s Responding to Emergency and Disasters with Youth (C-READY)

Ages 13-18 

http://www.colofirechiefs.org/C-READY.htm

Colorado’s Responding to Emergency And Disasters with Youth (C-READY) program is coordinated by the 

Center for School, Youth, and Citizen Preparedness, a non-profit organization working in collaboration with 

many statewide and local organizations. Students will learn about their potential role in preparing for, responding 

to, and recovering from an emergency situation, and have the opportunity to put what they’ve learned to use in 

mock disaster exercises throughout the week. The program has the goal of teaching over 100 students the skills 

they need to stabilize any injuries they may have suffered before moving on to assist others during and after 

emergency situations until professionals arrive. Students will also learn to identify the hazards most likely to 

occur and reduce potential hazards in and around the home and school. They will receive training in safety and 

injury prevention, first aid, CPR, and the use of an automatic external defibrillator. The program also teaches 

youth how to respond to natural and manmade disasters and develops their leadership skills to affect change 

through higher education after graduation. Youth will be encouraged to lead community prevention efforts, 

increase their interest in health and public safety careers, and volunteer in their communities through service 

learning projects. 

C-READY is an adaptation of the Wisconsin READY Camp experience and will expand upon the Disaster Ready 

Training that has already been implemented by the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Ready Colorado 

for middle and high school students. 

Corporation for National and Community Service: Learn and Serve America

K–Adult (Ages 5-Adult)
 7

YOUTH DISASTER PREPAREDNESS EDUCATION RESOURCES

http://www.learnandserve.gov/about/programs/index.asp

The Corporation for National and Community Service includes Learn and Serve America, which allows children 

to participate in service-learning activities, and offers a unique opportunity for them to get involved by combining 

community service projects with classroom learning. Service-learning engages students in the educational 

process, using what they learn in the classroom to solve real-life problems. Learn and Serve America provides 

direct and indirect support to K–12 schools, community groups and higher education institutions to facilitate 

service-learning projects. SERVEnet allows volunteers to find opportunities in their communities.

Department of Education: Service Learning and Volunteer Opportunities

K–Adult (Ages 5-Adult)

http://www2.ed.gov/students/involve/service/list.jhtml

The Department of Education’s website offers links to a number of resources and opportunities that youth can use 

to get involved in their communities. For example, through AmeriCorps, young volunteers can find national 

service programs that provide opportunities to tutor and mentor youth, build affordable housing, teach computer 

skills, clean parks and streams, run after-school programs, and help communities respond to disasters. 

Delaware School Disaster Preparedness Program

6th–12th Grade (Ages 11-18)

http://www.delawarecitizencorps.org/schools

The Delaware Disaster Preparedness Program was developed by Delaware Citizen Corps, American Red Cross of 

the Delmarva Peninsula, Public Health Preparedness, Retired Senior Volunteer Program, and Delaware 

Emergency Management. The goal of the program is to present students with a common message about the 

importance of preparing for all hazards. The program is delivered in schools by the Delaware State Police’s 

School Resource Officers and Youth Aid Officers. The initiative was first implemented in 2009 at the beginning 

of the school year, during National Preparedness Month. Currently, the program is composed of a series of five 

videos, classroom discussion guide, and covers a variety of topics, including “Developing a Family Plan,” 

“Making a Disaster Kit,” “Shelter- in- Place,” and “Evacuation Resources.”

Discovery Education: Ready Classroom

K–8th Grade (Ages 5-14)

http://readyclassroom.discoveryeducation.com/#/map

In 2009, Discovery Education launched Ready Classroom, an online educational curriculum program. The 

program provides K-8 teachers with resources to integrate natural disaster preparedness information into their 

curriculum. The online resource, www.discoveryeducation.com/readyclassroom, offers teachers activities, lesson 

plans and multimedia tools that teach students how natural disasters develop and inspires them to build their own 

emergency preparedness plans with their families. 
 8

YOUTH DISASTER PREPAREDNESS EDUCATION RESOURCES

DoSomething.org: Disaster Response and Relief

Ages 13–15 

http://www.dosomething.org/whatsyourthing/Disaster+Response+And+Relief

DoSomething.org is strives to help young people support a range of different issues. By utilizing the web, 

television, mobile, and pop culture, DoSomething.org aims to inspire, empower and celebrate a generation of 

teenagers who recognize the need to do something, believe in their ability to get it done, and then take action. 

Their website provides information on recent disasters, facts on disaster response and relief, and tips on how to 

take action with their families and communities to become more prepared for disasters. The organization also 

sends text alerts to inform teens on how they can take action in response to a recent disaster.

Environmental Protection Agency

K–12th Grade (Ages 5-18)

http://www.epa.gov/kids

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) offers opportunities for children and youth are broken into three 

tiers, organized by age. The first is the Environmental Kids Club, for ages 4–10. This program teaches younger 

children about their environment, and focuses on specific topics including plants and animals, air, water, garbage 

and recycling, hazardous chemical spills, and extreme weather events. The second is the EPA Student Center, 

which is targeted towards children ages 10–14. This program features environmental club projects, assistance 

with careers, internships and scholarships, environmental youth awards, and activities. Students can learn about 

ecosystems, human health, waste and recycling, chemical spills, water, conservation, air, weather, and other 

environmental basics. The final tier is the High School Environmental Center, which features summer student 

employment opportunities and offers the same avenues for involvement as the Student Center. The High School 

Environmental Center also offers an environmental dictionary, information on environmental laws, and access to 

the EPA newsroom, publications, and other information sources. The High School Environmental Center features 

information on issues related to air, water, waste and recycling, ecosystems, conservation, health and safety, 

extreme weather, and community environmental issues.

Extension Disaster Education Network

1st–5th Grade (Ages 6-11)

http://news.uns.purdue.edu/html3month/2004/041104.Cain.disasterdave.html

The Extension Disaster Education Network (EDEN) links Extension educators from across the U.S. and various 

disciplines, enabling them to use and share resources to reduce the impact of disasters. From food safety to field 

safety, from physical to psychological, and from government to community development, EDEN has resources 

you can use. 

One resource developed by EDEN member Purdue University Extension is "Disaster Dave's Misadventures," an 

educational computer activity. The focus of the program is to teach disaster-readiness skills in a fun and 
 9

YOUTH DISASTER PREPAREDNESS EDUCATION RESOURCES

entertaining fashion. This is done through Disaster Dave, whom students help navigate through a variety of 

natural and other disasters. From blizzards to tornadoes, from hazardous materials spills to national security 

emergencies, Disaster Dave's fictional community is either destroyed or spared, depending upon the skills and 

knowledge of the player.

FEMA for Kids

K–6th Grade (Ages 5-12)

http://www.fema.gov/kids/

The FEMA for Kids website features disaster-related games, quizzes, stories, photos, and cartoons, and provides 

children with the opportunity to earn a Disaster Action Kid certification. The site also offers information for 

children, parents, and teachers on preparing for disasters and coping with the aftermath, including guidance on 

how to create a supply kit and disaster plan. The site offers access to an email server which regularly provides 

disaster news and information. Kids are also able to get information on ongoing disasters all over the country via 

an interactive map. Specific information is provided on preparing for and reacting to hurricanes, tornadoes, 

earthquakes, volcanoes, floods, tsunamis, thunderstorms, wildfires, winter storms, and terrorism.

FEMA: Teen Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Training

7th–12th Grade (Ages 12-18)

http://www.teencert.org

Teen CERT provides basic CERT training to students in their high schools. The program gives students 

emergency and leadership skills, creates an emergency response asset for schools, creates an avenue to deliver the 

preparedness message to teens’ families and parents, creates a culture of preparedness among tomorrow’s 

community leaders, and promotes connection to local sponsoring agencies, including the fire department, law 

enforcement, and emergency management. Teen CERT currently operates in over 100 school districts nationwide.

FEMA: Ready Kids

Ages 8–12

http://www.ready.gov/kids/home.html

Ready Kids is a component of the Department of Homeland Security Ready.gov initiative and provides guidance 

on creating an emergency preparedness kit and plan, as well as specific information on tornadoes, earthquakes, 

fire emergencies, flooding, tsunamis, and hurricanes, and general information on terrorism. Kids are able to earn a 

certification from Readiness U, and are offered disaster-related games, quizzes, and comic strips. The site also 

features information for parents and teachers targeted towards emergency planning and coping with disaster and 

its aftermath.
 10

YOUTH DISASTER PREPAREDNESS EDUCATION RESOURCES

FEMA: Student Tools for Emergency Planning

4th–5th Grade (Ages 9-11)

http://www.riema.ri.gov/step/

Student Tools for Emergency Planning (STEP) is designed to teach 5th graders what to do in emergency 

situations, and how to create emergency kits and develop family communication plans. STEP requires only 1 

hour of instructional time during the school year, but offers up to 15 hours of optional materials that align with 

national and state standards. Instructional materials for teachers include student handouts, instructional booklets, 

and “The Adventures of the Disaster Dudes” video. This video shows students playing a game based on disaster 

preparedness and is accompanied by discussion points for teachers to cover after showing the video. The website 

includes links for teachers (e.g., to sample letters to families and discussion topics), and students (e.g., a list of 

emergency kit contents and family communication plan cards). There are links to supplemental materials, as well, 

including emergency role play scenarios and a student reading list. 

Fire Corps

K–Adult (Ages 5-Adult)

http://www.firecorps.org

The Fire Corps offers fire prevention and life-safety education and training for students to assist in emergency 

response efforts at their schools and in their communities. The Corps asks its volunteers to teach youth about their 

vital role in making communities safer, encouraging them to have pride in their country, gain an understanding of 

their civic duty, and accept personal responsibility for their well-being as an active member of the community.

Firefacts.org

K–6th Grade (Ages 5-12)

http://www.firefacts.org 

Firefacts.org is an interactive website to teach fire safety to children in grades K though 6. The program features 

the Fire Safety Learning System CD for use in schools, and activities for kids to complete on their own, including 

coloring books, word puzzles, and online games. There are also resources for parents and caregivers to promote 

fire safety and awareness in the home. 

Florida: Kids Get a Plan

K-5th Grade and 6th+ (Ages 5-18)

http://www.kidsgetaplan.com/

Kids Get a Plan includes an individual set of tools and information for youth in grades kindergarten to fifth and 

those in sixth grade and higher. Resources include activities, downloadable interactive stories, contests, resources 

for parents and news on recent disasters.

Girl Scouts: “Be Prepared!” Emergency Preparedness Patch

K—12th Grade (Ages 5-18)

http://www.gscnc.org/dhs.html

Developed in conjunction with FEMA’s Citizen Corps, the Girl Scout Council of the Nation’s Capital created the 

“Be Prepared!” Emergency Preparedness Patch program to equip Girl Scouts with skills to protect their families, 
 11

YOUTH DISASTER PREPAREDNESS EDUCATION RESOURCES

friends and communities when disaster strikes. The patch program prepares Girl Scouts of all ages to identify 

local risks and potential emergencies, connect with local community service agencies, understand hazards and 

appropriate protective actions, learn local alerts and warning systems, prepare themselves and their family, deal 

with emotional responses to an emergency, discover how to get trained and become involved in community 

emergency planning, and explore additional resources. The Leader’s Guide can be downloaded from the website. 

Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition: Sprinkler Smarts

K–8th Grade (Ages 5-14)

http://www.sprinklersmarts.org 

Sprinkler Smarts is a website that teaches kids how fire sprinklers and smoke alarms help keep families safe.

Sprinkler Smarts has separate websites for kids in grades K–5 and 6–8. The site offers games that test kids’ 

knowledge and information, and includes other resources for teachers, parents, and fire departments.

Home Safety Council: Code Red Rover

K–1st Grade (Ages 5-7)

http://www.coderedrover.org/

The Home Safety Council’s Code Red Rover program is an online resource designed for parents and educators of 

children in grades K-1. The program provides twelve online games, downloadable materials for use in the 

classroom or at home, as well as lesson plans and materials in Spanish. Lesson plans available include slips and 

falls, poisoning, and fire and burns. 

Home Safety Council: Get Ready with Freddie!

K–1st Grade (Ages 5-7)

http://www.homesafetycouncil.org/AboutUs/Programs/pr_wr_w005.asp

The Home Safety Council’s Get Ready with Freddie! program was first distributed to classrooms in August 2007 

and to date, it has been delivered to over 75,000 classrooms around the country, reaching 13 million teachers, 

students, and families. The program is focused around Freddie Flashlight, the long-time sidekick of the Home 

Safety Council's mascot, Rover the Home Safety Hound. Freddie takes center stage in this program, focusing on 

emergency preparedness. Students learn to develop a communications plan and assemble “Ready-to-Go” and 

“Ready-to-Stay” preparedness kits for their homes. Free downloadable resources include activity book, videos, 

lesson plans for teachers, student worksheets, a letter for parents and checklists, and a local program evaluation 

form. 

Illinois: Ready Illinois School Challenge

Middle School, High School, and College (Ages 11-22)

http://www.emergencymgmt.com/training/Illinois-Preparedness-Video-Game.html

The Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) has ongoing efforts to spread the disaster preparedness 

message to the state’s youth. An activity book teaches young children about safety through a storyline and 

activities including mazes and crossword puzzles. High school students can participate in the Ready Illinois High 

School Challenge, which encourages them to write scripts for a 30-second public service announcement that the 

state produces. The college challenge seeks to engage young adults by having them produce a public service 
 12

YOUTH DISASTER PREPAREDNESS EDUCATION RESOURCES

announcement to be included in IEMA’s TV campaign for preparedness. Recently, the challenge was extended to 

middle school students interested in playing with the Day the Earth Shook video game developed by the IEMA. 

Available at www.Reday.Illinois.gov, the game uses an earthquake scenario to demonstrate the need for a 

disaster supply kit as well as identify safe locations in a building during an earthquake. 

Indiana: Operation Safeguard

8th-11th Grade (Ages 13-17)

http://www.operationsafeguard.net/

Operation Safeguard is a 5 day immersive learning summer leadership academy for central Indiana high school 

youth. The training and exercises aim to equip teens to be active and productive participants in disaster 

preparedness and response, with a special focus on helping to protect children impacted by disasters.

Learning for Life: Exploring—Law Enforcement

Ages 14–21 

http://www.learningforlife.org/exploring/lawenforcement/

Law Enforcement Exploring is a worksite-based program for young men and women who have completed the 

eighth grade and are 14 years of age, or are 15 years of age but have not yet reached their 21st birthday.

Law Enforcement Explorer posts help youth to gain insight into a variety of programs that offer hands-on career 

activities. For young men and women who are interested in careers in the field of law enforcement, Exploring 

offers experiential learning with lots of fun-filled, hands-on activities that promote the growth and development of 

adolescent youth.

Medical Reserve Corps

K–Adult (Ages 5-Adult)

http://www.medicalreservecorps.gov

Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) units are community-based and function as a way to locally organize and utilize 

volunteers who want to donate their time and expertise to prepare for and respond to emergencies and promote 

healthy living throughout the year. MRC volunteers supplement existing emergency and public health resources. 

MRC volunteers provide support for youth and school health education programs including promoting flu 

prevention hygiene, CPR and First Aid training, school blood drives. 

Michigan: American Red Cross Storm - Safe On My Own

Ages 9-11

http://www.redcrossggr.org/get-trained/youth-classes/safe-on-my-own
 13

YOUTH DISASTER PREPAREDNESS EDUCATION RESOURCES

This course is designed for preteens who are too old for a “babysitter”, but still need to build safety skills before 

staying home alone. “Safe on My Own” teaches youth how to stay safe without constant adult supervision. 

Included are tips on how to hide the house key, call for help during an emergency, home safety skills, and internet 

safety skills, how to interact with strangers, how to answer the door safely, and how to handle non-emergency 

phone calls. In addition the course, teaches basic first aid skills, how to respond to a fire or burglar, and what to 

do until help arrives. 

National Association for Search and Rescue: Hug-a-Tree and Survive Program

2nd–5th Grade (Ages 7-11)

http://www.nasar.org/nasar/hug_a_tree_program.php

This educational program teaches children between the ages of 7 and 11 basic and vital survival principles and 

simple ways to survive in the woods if they become lost. The Hug-a-Tree and Survive program includes an 

introduction, video presentation, and suggestions and demonstrations, all led by a trained presenter. The program 

also includes handouts for parents and activity books for kids. 

National Crime Prevention Council: McGruff Club

1st–5th Grade (Ages 6-11)

http://www.mcgruff.org

The McGruff Club is a program for children between the ages of 6 and 10 that promotes crime prevention and 

safety education. Children are encouraged to become engaged in their communities in service projects and to 

learn about safety. Specifically, children learn what they can do to stay safe and to prevent crime and violence in 

their communities. Children meet weekly for 30 to 45 minutes exploring the topics of safe and unsafe 

neighborhoods, conflict management, bullying, and dangerous situations in the neighborhood. The clubs may also 

address diversity, internet safety, guns and other weapons, and home safety. Children involved in the McGruff 

Club receive McGruff the Crime Dog items, activity sheets, safety letters from McGruff, and exclusive access to 

McGruff Club web pages, featuring special games and activities. The program’s website offers games, stories, 

and advice on safety. Information for parents and educators is also available.

National Crime Prevention Council: Teens, Crime, and the Community

7th–12th Grade (Ages 12-18)

http://www.ncpc.org/programs/teens-crime-and-the-community/about-tcc

The National Crime Prevention Council’s TCC is an initiative that works to encourage young people across the 

country to create safer schools and neighborhoods and increase social responsibility in teens through education 

and service-learning projects. TCC is comprised of two major efforts: Community Works, and Youth Safety 

Corps. Community Works is a comprehensive, law-related crime prevention program that helps teens understand 

how crime affects them and their families, friends, and communities, and it involves them in crime prevention 

projects to help make their communities safer and more vital. Youth Safety Corps (YSC) provides an opportunity 

for youth interested in public safety and crime prevention to become involved in partnerships with school 
 14

YOUTH DISASTER PREPAREDNESS EDUCATION RESOURCES

resource officers, school personnel, and community volunteers to assist in creating safe neighborhoods. YSC 

members analyze significant safety and security concerns in their schools and communities and address those 

issues to generate change.

National Fire Protection Association: Sparky

K–6th Grade (Ages 5-12)

http://sparky.org 

Sparky.org is a website that features games, fire safety information, playground safety tips, articles on personal 

safety, and a forum through which children can ask questions. The site also teaches kids how to create and utilize 

family escape plans and home safety checklists.

National Fire Protection Association: Risk Watch—Natural Disasters

Pre-K–8th Grade (Ages 4-14)

http://www.nfpa.org/catalog/product.asp?pid=RWNDSET

Risk Watch: Natural Disasters teaches children in Preschool through Grade 8 and their families how to recognize, 

plan for, and respond to a variety of disasters so they can reduce the fear, anxiety, and losses that accompany 

those events. Students acquire practical life-saving skills relating to general preparedness, earthquakes, floods, 

hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires, and severe winter storms. The curriculum is divided into five modules (preschool, grades 1-2, grades 3-4, grades 5-6, and grades 7-8), and each module each module includes lesson cards, a 

lesson plan, classroom activities, evaluation instruments and other teacher module materials. The modules for K6 include a CD with grade-specific student workbooks. 

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration: Weather for Kids and Students

K–12th Grade (Ages 5-18)

http://www.education.noaa.gov/sweather.html 

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has partnered with the National Aeronautics and 

Space Administration (NASA) and others to develop online games and activities, coloring books, puzzles and 

materials for teachers and students to understand facts about the planet and our weather. The materials are 

designed for two age groups, grades K-5 and grades 6-12. 

National Volunteer Fire Council: National Junior Firefighter Program

K–12th Grade (Ages 5-18)

http://juniors.nvfc.org/ 

The National Junior Firefighter Program helps support fire departments by encouraging youth to volunteer and 

learn about fire, rescue, and emergency medical service departments in their communities. The program’s website 

offers resources for youth to get involved and provides ideas for local fire departments to recruit volunteers. 
 15

YOUTH DISASTER PREPAREDNESS EDUCATION RESOURCES

Youth active in the program can track their hours of service to receive national recognition and can apply for the 

National Junior Firefighter Scholarship. 

New York City Office of Emergency Management: Ready New York for Kids

K–5th Grade (Ages 5-11)

http://www.nyc.gov/html/oem/html/ready/kids_guide.shtml

The New York City Office of Emergency Management, in conjunction with the Department of Education, created 

the Ready New York: Kids’ Guides, one for elementary kids and the other for students in middle and high schools. 

Each guide is available in nine different languages. The program also includes teachers’ guides for both age 

groups as well as tear-out sections for use at home. Puzzles, games, and coloring pages are also included in the 

elementary version of the Ready New York for Kids program.

New Zealand Ministry of Civil Defence: What’s the Plan, Stan?

Ages 7–12

http://www.whatstheplanstan.govt.nz/

What's the Plan Stan? is New Zealand’s disaster preparedness resource for schools and was developed in 2006 by 

the Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management with invaluable input from teachers around the country. 

It is sent out free to all primary and intermediate schools, and focuses on schoolchildren aged 7-12. It has been 

written specifically for primary and intermediate school students to involve them in an educational program that 

focuses on disasters to help them to prepare, and gives them the skills to act in a safe manner. The Ministry of 

Civil Defence provides a handbook for teachers, including unit plans, templates and activities, a CD–ROM for 

teachers and students, including stories, interactive games, research material, tips for teachers and resources that 

can be incorporated into teaching unit plans, an interactive website, and teacher professional development 

workshops.

Points of Light Institute: Youth & Family Programs

K–12th Grade (Ages 5-18)

http://www.handsonnetwork.org/volunteers/youthandfamily

The Points of Light Institute offers information and ideas on how families and youth can jumpstart volunteer 

efforts. The organization also offers Kids Care Clubs, which empower children to engage in service projects.

Points of Light features a Youth Leadership Institute, which offers lessons and exercises on community needs 

analysis, goal setting, team building, project planning, decision making, and other leadership dynamics. The final 

elements of the leadership institute include a community service project, developed and implemented by the 

participants, and a graduation ceremony. Points of Light’s website also offers a list of resources, information, and 

opportunities for youth interested in community service.
 16

YOUTH DISASTER PREPAREDNESS EDUCATION RESOURCES

Ready Houston

K–5th Grade (Ages 5-11)

http://www.readyhoustontx.gov/schoolready/index.html

These materials include classroom lessons and take-home activities divided into three modules (K-1 grade, 2-3 

grades, 4-5 grades). The lessons can be used for a one-day activity or as a complete unit over several days. The 

lessons offer an opportunity for a school-wide program. Each element of the curriculum serves to reinforce the 

core message of Make a Plan, Build a Kit, and Stay Informed. 

Save the Children: Resilient and Ready Program

K-6th Grade (Ages 5-12)

http://www.savethechildren.org/atf/cf/%7B9def2ebe-10ae-432c-9bd0-df91d2eba74a%7D/resilient-readycommunities-2010.pdf

Save the Children’s Resilient and Ready Communities initiative aims to help communities in at-risk regions 

meet new national standards and integrate best practices for supporting children’s safety and well-being through 

preparedness planning and programs. Building on current resources in the communities, Save the Children uses 

its expertise to: develop and/or supplement emergency preparedness plans that address communities’ needs as 

well as local, state and federal standards; deliver training to emergency managers, shelter managers and the 

childcare community; and implement disaster risk reduction programs directly with children to create Resilient 

and Ready Communities. 

The Resilient & Ready Program is an hour long workshop designed to educate children (grades K-6) and build 

resiliency when faced with various forms of disasters, including earthquakes, hurricanes, floods and wildfires. 

The workshop combines cooperative games with disaster education to provide a fun, educational way for children 

to learn about preparedness. 

Serve DC: Commander Ready Program

K–8th Grade (Ages 5-14)

http://www.serve.dc.gov/cncs/cwp/view,a,1197,q,557987.asp 

The Commander Ready program is a specialized component of the Washington, DC Neighborhood Corps and 

Citizen Corps programs designed to educate and engage children ages 5-13 in emergency preparedness. The 

program is intended for implementation in the home and at school, and was introduced in DC public schools 

during the 2007–2008 school year. The Commander Ready curriculum includes activities, workshops, and an 

animated DVD featuring the Ready Team to teach children how to prepare for emergencies and disasters, and 

how to prevent disaster damage. The Commander Ready program is structured to fit into the normal school 

curriculum with four separate modules each lasting forty-five (45) minutes, totaling 2-3 total hours of lessons over 

four school weeks.

Sesame Workshop: Let’s Get Ready! Planning Together for Emergencies

Pre-K (Ages 4-5)

http://www.sesamestreet.org/ready/ 
 17

YOUTH DISASTER PREPAREDNESS EDUCATION RESOURCES

Sesame Street’s Sesame Workshop created Let's Get Ready! Planning Together for Emergencies in collaboration 

with the Department of Homeland Security’s Ready Kids initiative and the Ad Council. The Let's Get Ready

program is primarily targeted towards 3 to 5-year-olds and provides multiple media resources available in English 

and Spanish, including a Sesame Street DVD, a magazine for parents and caregivers, and activity books for kids.

The goal is to help the entire family prepare for emergencies and offer ways young children can contribute to an 

emergency readiness plan.

ShelterBox: Young ShelterBox USA Program

http://www.shelterboxusa.org/uploads/files/Young%20ShelterBox%20USA%20Program.pdf

ShelterBox USA is developing a disaster education and preparedness program for American youth called “Young 

ShelterBox USA.” ShelterBox provides individuals and families with vital supplies after an emergency or 

disaster. The mission of the program is to develop young people’s understanding of the causes of natural and 

manmade disasters and the effects on communities worldwide; to promote awareness of the common needs of all 

people and the need for humanitarian action following disasters; to empower youth to be prepared for disasters 

that may affect their own communities; and to inspire them to become global citizens through education and 

action on the local level. Teachers around the world utilize ShelterBox as a tool to teach about disasters. 

ShelterBox is currently working on enhancing the program in U.S. schools by integrating activities that enhance 

science, social studies, language arts and math curriculum while also helping students understand how to prepare 

for a disaster.

Texas: Teen Advocates for Community Safety (TACS)

Ages 14-19

http://www.ci.cedar-park.tx.us/cp/tacs.aspx

The Teen Advocates for Community Safety (TACS) program is a career education program supported by the 

Cedar Park Fire Department (CPFD) for young men and women 14 to 19 years old. The goals of the TACS 

Program is to focus on increasing the involvement of teens in their communities, advocate and educate for social 

change, encourage resource collaboration, and build awareness to their peers on fire safety and prevention, and 

become skilled in emergency preparedness operations. TACS trains teenagers to serve as instructors related to fire 

safety education for children and seniors, present other safety programs, and participate in legislative efforts to 

initiate reforms to improve safety in the community.

United States Power Squadrons: USPS 4 Kids

K–8th Grade (Ages 5-14)

http://usps4kids.org/default.aspx

USPS 4 Kids is a website designed to introduce children to boating and water safety behaviors, including spotting 

environmental hazards and practicing smart safety and rescue techniques. The site provides games and activities 

to teach safe boating for children of all ages. 
 18

YOUTH DISASTER PREPAREDNESS EDUCATION RESOURCES

USA on Watch

K–Adult (Ages 5-14)

http://www.usaonwatch.org

Neighborhood Watch programs frequently offer programs targeted towards youth, such as athletic activities, drug 

prevention programs, and tutoring. The main goal of these programs is to provide young people with activities 

that provide them with opportunities to increase their skills and self esteem. Some communities have organized 

youth crime watch programs, which train students in crime prevention strategies. Additional program topics may 

include gun awareness, conflict management, peer mediation, drug and gang prevention, peer pressure, and 

general safety.

Volunteers in Police Service: Youth-Related Activities

K–12th Grade (Ages 5-18)

http://www.policevolunteers.org/volunteer/?fa=volunteer_activities

VIPS offers opportunities for youth to become involved in local police services by participating in programs such 

as youth citizen academies, school-based programs such as DARE, after-school programs, and internships. Local 

VIPS programs also offer junior police academies, youth crime watch programs, youth accountability boards, 

youth camps, law enforcement exploring posts, mentoring programs, and police athletic league programs. 

Wisconsin: Center for School, Youth and Citizen Preparedness

Ages 13–18

http://www.citizenpreparedness.org

Wisconsin’s Responding to Emergency And Disasters with Youth (READY) program is coordinated by the 

Center for School, Youth, and Citizen Preparedness. Students learn about their potential role in preparing for, 

responding to, and recovering from an emergency situation, and have the opportunity to put what they’ve learned 

to use in a mock disaster exercise. The program has taught hundreds of students the skills they need to stabilize 

any injuries they may have suffered before moving on to assist others during and after emergency situations until 

professionals arrive. Students also learn to identify the hazards most likely to occur and reduce potential hazards 

in and around the home and school. They receive training in safety and injury prevention, first aid, CPR, and the 

use of an automatic external defibrillator. The program also teaches youth how to respond to natural and 

manmade disasters and develops their leadership skills to affect change through higher education after graduation. 

Youth are encouraged to lead community prevention efforts, increase their interest in health and public safety 

careers, volunteer in their communities through service learning projects. 

READY has trained nearly 1,000 Wisconsin youths in preparedness through courses taught at various locations, 

including schools, community centers, and summer camps. The program trains middle and high school youth, 

ages 13–18, escorted by advisors.
 19

YOUTH DISASTER PREPAREDNESS EDUCATION RESOURCES

Other Publications and Resources

American Academy of Pediatrics: Family Readiness Kit, 2nd Edition

http://www.aap.org/family/frk/frkit.htm

This kit, offered by the American Academy of Pediatrics, is a set of materials formatted for parents/families to use 

at home for students of all grades. It includes topics such as Caring for your Family, Understanding Disasters, 

Disaster Fact Sheets, 4 Steps to Prepare for Your Family, Family Disasters Supplies List, Families: The First 

Resource, When Your Child Needs EMS, and National and Local Resources. It is available in both English and 

Spanish.

American College of Emergency Physicians: Disaster Hero

www.disasterhero.com

This web-based game will be targeted to multiple audiences, including children, early teens, parents, caregivers 

and teachers. It will focus on what to do before, during and after a disaster—using the most common disasters 

(earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, and tornadoes) as teaching tools—and will also emphasize getting an emergency 

kit, having an emergency plan and being informed. As players take on the role of a “Disaster Hero”, who is 

helping different families prepare for various disasters, they will be encouraged to learn about the types of 

disasters that are more likely to occur in their geographical region or state. Each disaster scenario provides a 

variety of game experiences—including time management and puzzle games, hidden object games, and 

simulation games—and quizzes on what was learned. Players earn points throughout the game that are displayed 

on the game website. The website also has downloadable learning activities and checklists targeted towards 

teachers and parents. 

American Red Cross: Be Red Cross Ready Safety Series Volume 4: A Family Guide to 

First Aid and Emergency Preparedness

http://redcrossstore.org/Shopper/Product.aspx?UniqueItemId=216

This guide and accompanying DVD helps families learn to prepare for all types of emergencies. This resource 

uses demonstrations and interactive activities to cover medical emergencies, disaster plans, injury prevention and 

first aid and emergency preparedness kits. 

American Red Cross: SeeMore’s Playhouse Video

http://redcrossstore.org/Shopper/Product.aspx?UniqueItemId=196

The Emmy® Award Winning television series, SeeMore's Playhouse, co-produced by Safety4Kids®, partnered 

with the American Red Cross on two episodes about fire safety and dental health and are now available on DVD 

for purchase. Other special features include music videos to sing along to covering topics such as household 

safety, car safety, crossing the street safety and sun safety. Also featured are informative safety tips about 

childproofing your home from Parenting Magazine. To learn more about SeeMore's Playhouse and find out when 

to tune in, visit http://www.seemoresplayhouse.com/. 
 20

YOUTH DISASTER PREPAREDNESS EDUCATION RESOURCES

American Red Cross and FEMA: Helping Children Cope with Disaster

http://www.fema.gov/rebuild/recover/cope_child.shtm

This booklet was created to assist parents and caregivers in helping children cope with disasters and emergencies. 

The guide also provides information on preparing family emergency plans and discussing these plans with 

children. 

American Red Cross and FEMA: Disaster Preparedness Coloring Book

http://www.fema.gov/library/viewRecord.do?id=1640

This coloring and activity book produced by FEMA helps children and their parents work together to learn about 

natural disasters, family communications plans, and emergency kits. 

American Red Cross and FEMA: Ready...Set...Prepare Activity Book

http://books.google.com/books?id=oGs7i5pSK5QC&printsec=frontcover&source=gbs_ge_summary_r&hl

=en&output=reader#v=onepage&q&f=false and 

http://bereadyutah.gov/family/documents/ReadySetPrepare02.pdf

This guide contains two activity books that can be used at school, home, or anywhere developed to encourage 

children and their families to work together to prepare for disasters through activities and games. The first book is 

geared towards children ages 4-7 and an adult supervisor, while the second book is geared towards children 8-11. 

The books have age-appropriate characters that tell children about emergency-related vocabulary they need to 

know; how to prepare for a disaster, how to make a disaster supply kit, and how to prevent fires. There is also 

information on floods, thunderstorms, tornadoes, hurricanes, winter storms, and earthquakes. More information 

can also be obtained from your local Red Cross chapter.

Effective Education for Disaster Risk Reduction – Teacher Network

http://www.edu4drr.org/

Effective Education for Disaster Risk Reduction is an online social network by and for teachers and educators 

who want to make a difference in disaster prevention education. The network includes a discussion forum, links to 

blogs, videos, and a composite of preparedness education resources.

National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies: Preparing for 

Disaster – the Parent View

http://www.naccrra.org/for_parents/coping/disaster

To help ensure that children are safe, NACCRRA provides an array of publications and resources to assist 

parents, educators, and providers in helping children—preschool through school-age—deal with loss and trauma.
 21

YOUTH DISASTER PREPAREDNESS EDUCATION RESOURCES

Child Care Resource and Referral agencies (CCR&Rs) play a vital role in helping their communities rebuild and 

meet the child care needs of children and families in the aftermath of a disaster. NACCRRA wants parents to 

know that their local CCR&R is a number one resource for information and personal assistance in preparing their 

child care program for a disaster and assisting families when a catastrophe strikes.

NSF (National Sanitation Foundation) International: Scrub Club

http://www.scrubclub.org

This fun, interactive and educational Website, which is part of Red Cross educational outreach, raises awareness 

about the benefits of proper handwashing to fight germs and prevent illness. The site is geared towards children 

ages 3-8 and includes games, music, and activities for children as well as educational materials for teachers and 

parents. Scrub Club’s “Soaper-Heroes” are also part of the Cleanest Classroom Contest, where students track the 

daily number of times each student washes their hands over the course of four school weeks.

REMS Technical Assistance Center

http://rems.ed.gov

The REMS Technical Assistance Center's primary goal is to support schools, school districts, and institutions of 

higher education in emergency management, including the development and implementation of comprehensive 

emergency and crisis response plans. Established by the OSDFS in October 2004, the REMS Technical 

Assistance Center supports REMS and EMHE grantees in managing and implementing their grants and in 

sustaining their efforts over time. Non-grantee local educational agencies (LEAs), schools, and institutions of 

higher education (IHEs) also may receive support to improve and strengthen their emergency management plans.

The TA Center disseminates information about emergency management to help schools, school districts, and 

institutions of higher education learn more about developing, implementing, and evaluating crisis plans. In 

addition, the TA Center helps the OSDFS coordinate technical assistance meetings, manage listservs for sharing 

emergency management planning information, and respond to direct requests for technical assistance.

Sesame Street: Let’s Get Ready

http://www.sesamestreet.org/ready

This is an educational kit for both parents and their children. The kit contains a DVD and an activity book with 

songs, games, and lessons from their favorite Sesame Street characters to teach children about whom to ask for 

help during emergencies. They also learn how to call 9-1-1 and a four-step emergency plan. The parent magazine 

contains information for parents on how to talk to their children about emergency preparedness and tips for using 

everyday routines to prepare. It also contains songs and activities for parents to use with their children.

United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction: Stop Disasters!

http://www.stopdisastersgame.org/en/home.html
 22

YOUTH DISASTER PREPAREDNESS EDUCATION RESOURCES

This on-line game aims at teaching children how to build safer villages and cities against disasters. Children will 

learn playing how the location and the construction materials of houses can make a difference when disasters 

strike and how early warning systems, evacuation plans and education can save lives. Children are the future 

architects, mayors, doctors, and parents of the world of tomorrow, if they know what to do to reduce the impact of 

disasters, they will create a safer world.