Classroom projects.

Between science, math, and health, I think we could incorporate emergency preparedness with our classrooms. In health and science we can teach the children how much water the human body requires on a daily bases. In math they can learn how to calculate home much water is need for every member of their family for a week. How much daily protein is need for their families? What are the best forms of protein, and how to store and prepare them for consumption?

Please let me know what is being done in your school. Also I think we should have training for the school bus drivers. Some children can spend as much as an hour or more just being transported to and from school. Are our drivers and parents coordinating and discussing rally points in case their children are in transit when disaster strikes. Do our school buses drivers have the proper equipment, information and training to handle such a scenario as this?

All comments criticisms and feedback are welcome.

Paul Ulmer

Paul - I am in total agreement with your idea.  I spoke with some parents last year who are home schooling their children about adding emergency preparedness to their children's curriculum.  Great way to get the kids involved in preparedness and applying it to math and science.

No doubt Paul,that all sounds good. Some of it I should be already aware of via the volunteer CERT work here in NE/Indiana but as for the school question,trying some catch up there too.

 regards,

Ron E.

The American Red Cross has a program called Masters of Disasters for ages K-8, that has taken different preparedness items and looked at the curriculum transfer for each activity in math, science and social studies.  This is a great resource for teachers and everything is done for them, they just need to switch gears.  Hope this helps.  j

I'm totally in agreement about the bus drivers. This should be pursued.

Hello Paul: This is a great idea, I am currently working on a little different approach but very similar. When I found out my nephew was allergic to shell fish I started looking at ways to help prevent major problems he might face. My research brought me to a few companies that actually provide medical id cards - adding a bracelet soon - designed for school children and what health issues they may have. Your point about being on the bus really drove this home to me and if there was an accident how would anyone know what special needs any child would have such as an allergy.

Since peanut butter has become such an important topic in schools, some even banning it, these types of id's could also help save a child's life.

Please don't forget to add latex to the allergens that may be present during a disaster. Many wear latex gloves to clean surfaces,give first aid and that leaves a trail of latex proteins behind, ready to attack that one child or adult (the number is almost 3 million of the general population now) who has yet to be diagnosed. I teach about latex allergy during disaster preparedness as I cannot go to any Red Cross shelters or eat their foods. I have my own 2 week supply of safe food and water. I have a plan with EMS to shelter in place as long as possible because once I leave my latex safe home I am open to anaphylaxing to so many of my allergens. During an "event" I do not need to add to the emergency by anaphylaxing and using precious resources to save my life vs. what disaster is in front of them. I focus on special needs, seniors, those with disabilities and pets when I do my presentations. It gets people to think outside the routine box of Are You Ready? Thanks to all who shared their great ideas from across the nation. That is the way this will be successful. M Mt Gal (former R.N. with a passioin for emergency preparedness) disabled now due to latex

Here is one for high school students.
"Are you Prepared if Disaster Strikes?"
http://drb.lifestreamcenter.net/Lessons/emergency/index.htm

I recently attended a FEMA Youth Preparedness Conference and there are many resources out there.  The document is published through Citizen Corps "Catalog of Youth Disaster Preparendess Education Resources" at http://citizencorps.gov/downloads/pdf/ready/Catalogue_YouthDisaster_toRockCreek2-14-12_accessible.pdf

Some URLs are outdated.  Two updated URLs are below:

-New York City Office of Emergency Management: Ready New York for Kids, k-5th Grade (Ages 5-11).  Updated website as follows http://www.nyc.gov/html/oem/html/ready/kids_guide.shtml

-Ready Houston, k-5th Grade (Ages 5-11) - This has three modules (K-1 grade, grades 2-3, and grades 4-5).  The lessons can be used for a one-day activity or as a complete unit over several days.  Each element of the curriculum serves to reinforce the core message of Make a Plan, Build a Kit, and Stay Informed.  URL is http://www.readyhoustontx.gov/schoolready/index.html

-STEPS (Safety Training for Emergency Preparedness at Schools): Los Angeles Unified School District at http://www.riema.ri.gov/step/