FEMA For Kids And The Mobile Public Library Team Up To Spread Holiday Cheer And Safety Tips
Release Date: December 15, 2004
Release Number: FNF-04-039
Mobile, Ala. -- School-aged children and their parents filled the Mobile Public Library Saturday, Dec. 11, for their Holiday Open House. They gathered for games and storytelling and learned about the FEMA for Kids website, sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The interactive site, which focuses on disaster preparedness, complimented the event’s goal of promoting holiday safety.
“By introducing the website to children and parents in our community, FEMA has performed a great community service. This website will prove to be a useful tool for Mobile, which is located along the Gulf Coast,” said Nancy Anlage, program and special events coordinator for the Mobile Public Library.
The children navigated through www.fema.gov/kids (the FEMA for Kids site) and reviewed the supplies in the Disaster Supply Kit brought in by the American Red Cross. They learned about different types of disasters, and the importance of preparing should one occur in their community.
“Because FEMA took the time to work with the kids, they’ll know something when the storms come the next time,” said Caroline Clark, of Mobile, who watched as her son Raymond played educational games on the site. Clark said their home had only minor damage from Hurricane Ivan, but she doesn’t know if they’ll be as lucky in years to come. She is happy to see her children learning and thinking about what they can do to protect themselves.
“They have the materials now and my kids will say “FEMA said” the next time we get a bad storm,” said Clark.
FEMA for Kids, introduced in 1997, features games and quizzes and lively graphics that teach children about tornados, hurricanes, floods, earthquakes and other types of disasters. The site also features artwork and stories from youngsters across the United States. One section even explains how families protect their pets during disasters. This was especially interesting to Clifford the Big Red Dog who shared the stage with FEMA for Kids and held a story hour for pre-school children.
“FEMA for Kids was useful. Most people don’t know what to do in a hurricane. The website reminded me that I need to be prepared,” said Ieshia White, a 16-year-old high school freshman, from Mobile.
Lynn Rachal, librarian and youth services manager, said the FEMA presenters did an excellent job explaining the FEMA for Kids website, and of encouraging a proactive response to emergency situations. She plans to continue to share the site’s disaster-education resources and accompanying handouts with parents, teachers and other libraries in Mobile County.
Last Modified: Friday, 17-Dec-2004 08:26:41