National Safe Kids Week
Disaster Preparedness
Release Date: May 9, 2000
Release Number: R10-00-42
SEATTLE, Wash. -- This week (May 6-13) is National Safe Kids Week, a good time to address the attendant safety issues heralded as spring and summer sports seasons come into full swing. According to FEMA regional director David L. de Courcy, it's also a good time to focus on family emergency preparedness plans, rehearse emergency actions with children, and replenish disaster kits.
"This year's overarching theme at FEMA is to 'sustain the momentum' achieved in keeping our communities safe from disaster through the joint efforts of all stakeholders," said de Courcy. "Children are particularly vulnerable when disaster strikes, and when it comes to raising the odds in their favor, there just isn't any substitute for pre-disaster mitigation and pre-disaster planning."
Seattle King County American Red Cross CEO Jon Fine agrees. "Helping children prepare for disasters should be an integral part of every family disaster plan, and be a focal point for youth activities and care providers," said Fine. "The American Red Cross offers a wide assortment of checklists and informative brochures, many co-published with FEMA, as well as some excellent core safety courses for adult supervisors and children."
For more information on ARC sports safety and emergency first aid training programs call: (206) 323-3245 in King County, or contact your local ARC branch.
Last Modified: Tuesday, 18-Nov-2003 10:49:16