All Americans Deserve to Understand Disaster Preparedness Information

A recent survey conducted by the Home Safety Council (HSC) found that while 58 percent of respondents have personally experienced a disaster, very few have taken action to prepare for a future, unforeseen emergency. In fact, only 25 percent of those polled have assembled kits with basic emergency supplies including water, food and clothing.

Part of the problem may be that vital safety information is not reaching a large portion of the U.S. population because it is typically text-heavy and presented at a reading level that millions of American adults struggle to understand. It is estimated that approximately 93 million adults read English at or below basic levels. This group includes native English speakers, those who do not speak English as their first language and children.

As part of the Home Safety Literacy Project (HSLP), the HSC is working hard to put life-saving information directly into the hands of adults who may not be able to read or understand the safety materials that are widely available. In partnership with ProLiteracy and Oklahoma State University’s Fire Protection Publications, we have developed a suite of highly-illustrated disaster preparedness materials designed for easy reading by adults at all reading levels.

Primarily used with adults enrolled in literacy programs, the lessons learned through the HSLP Disaster Preparedness program are being put to good use in high-risk communities. In fact, the lessons hit home with Marvin Butler, an adult literacy learner from South Carolina, and motivated him to take action to prepare his family. He has utilized the lessons learned to gather the materials needed to ensure that he is prepared for all types of emergencies including fires and hurricanes. He also works to spread the word by encouraging friends and family members to do the same!

Thankfully Marvin has not been impacted by a disaster first-hand, but he is especially aware of how potential emergencies might affect his grandchildren, who are frequent visitors to his home. In his own words, Marvin says, “it’s best to be cautious!” Marvin has assembled a disaster preparedness kit that includes the necessary supplies, as well as enough canned food and bottled water to last for two to three weeks.

In recognition of National Preparedness Month 2008, HSC is offering a comprehensive suite of HSLP materials including disaster preparedness information and materials that can be easily understood by those who struggle to understand written English. Materials include: an interactive slide show, pictograms, a limited vocabulary reader, a communications plan tear sheet and an emergency supply tear sheet, all designed to reinforce disaster preparedness.

Home Safety Literacy Project Kit

Every American needs to be prepared for the unexpected – before disaster strikes. HSC applauds Marvin Butler for taking action as well as inspiring others to do the same. At the HSC, we believe that providing the easy-to-read and highly education materials of the HSLP will help Americans of all literacy levels plan ahead to make it through any type of emergency situation.

Meri-K Appy, President, Home Safety Council