Thompson Brook School Celebrates Students Completing Preparedness Program 

Release Date: February 19, 2009
Release Number: R1-09-002

AVON – Friday, February 13th was a big day for the 5th graders of Thompson Brook School. Students were culminating an important emergency preparedness program called STEP: Student Tools for Emergency Planning at their school assembly.

"We are very proud of our students who learned how to deal with emergencies common to this area and initiated crucial strategies in their homes like assembling a family emergency kit," said Principal Anne Watson "The STEP program was a logical addition to our safety plan here at Thompson and we were happy to be one of the pilot schools this year."

A joint effort between Connecticut Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management and FEMA, the program offers a ready-to-teach preparedness lesson that empowers students to encourage their families to make home emergency kits and communications plans. Students also received items to make their own 'starter' kit; including a water bottle, snack bar, emergency whistle, Mylar blanket, and carrying bag.

During the school-wide assembly, Tim Feshler, the school's health teacher and instructor of the STEP program recognized local fire fighters for participating in the STEP instruction with awards.

"I know that you all are ready and that you'll tell your brothers and sisters and friends how to be ready too. It makes me feel much better that you all are ready should a disaster hit Avon," Fire Chief James DiPace told the students of Thompson Brook after accepting his award.

Students also participated in a few rounds of the "Disaster Dudes Game", a quiz-show portion of the STEP program that tested their knowledge of what to do in different emergency situations. Their correct answers along with their emergency posters displayed outside the auditorium were evidence of their readiness to handle all types of hazards.

The Student Tools for Emergency Planning Program will be repeated in Avon, CT next year, with plans to expand to about 30 schools total in the state, according to the Connecticut Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management.

More information on family emergency kits and communications plans may be found at: http://www.fema.gov/plan/prepare/supplykit.shtm http://www.fema.gov/plan/prepare/commplan.shtm.

FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.

Last Modified: Thursday, 19-Feb-2009 10:24:51