The goal of the disaster education program is to minimize property damage, injuries, and loss of life by informing and educating the public. The joint resources of the participating organizations offer a unique opportunity, with TAEX providing over 800 extension agents throughout Texas, all professionally trained, to deliver the educational programs. Members of the public must assume responsibility for their own safety. Emergency personnel cannot be in all places when a disaster occurs. Many times, incorrect behavior is labeled as panic, when in fact individuals are responding to misinformation or a lack of information.
Education is the single most important factor in reducing the impacts of a disaster or emergency.
Currently in its fourth printing, the handbook has been adopted by several other states for use with their extension services, and every county extension office in Texas now has this information. Additionally, the Puerto Rican Extension Service has sought and received permission to translate the handbook into Spanish. The workshop takes advantage of both the extension agents' professional training and their established relationship with the public. Through education and public outreach, this program will help the public stay safe, reduce injuries and loss of life, and minimize property damage. Additional goals for this program include offering the workshop to all extension districts in Texas by 1997 and, with the assistance of 4-H programs, developing a youth component in Texas.