New Program to Help Kids Prepare for Disaster
Dan Hefkey, Chief of Emergency Management Ontario, helped launch a unique program designed to teach children how to prepare for an emergency.
About 20 local school children participated in activities as part of Emergency Preparedness Week, May 2 - 9. The activities are part of a program aimed at helping kids understand the importance of being prepared for an emergency.
Under the watchful eyes of an Emergency Management Ontario mascot, children discuss the contents of a "Ready Kit" - a collection of objects for use during the first 72 hours of an emergency.
A new program has been developed to teach Niagara children how to prepare for an emergency.
The program, developed through a partnership that includes Niagara Regional Emergency Planning, Canadian Red Cross Disaster Management, and Emergency Management Ontario, will be delivered at the Niagara Region Children's Safety Village starting in fall 2009.
According to emergency planning officials, the launch of Niagara's first emergency preparedness program for children is about creating a culture of preparedness.
"Children can lead by example in influencing adult behaviours, compelling us to take steps to prepare for the unexpected," said Patrick Robson, Commissioner of Integrated Community Planning, Niagara Region.
The interactive program will teach children about emergency facts, the importance of preparing a "Ready Kit" and an emergency plan. Instructors will use games and other activities to put their safety lessons and messages into practice.
The program was announced at an event celebrating Emergency Preparedness Week, May 2 - 9 hosted by the Children's Safety Village.
Quick Facts
- The program is designed for children from senior kindergarten to Grade 6.
- Program materials and activities will be based on the Provincial Emergency Management Ontario Curriculum for children and the Canadian Red Cross 'Expect the Unexpected' Program.
- The program will be delivered by volunteer instructors from the Canadian Red Cross, Brock University, Niagara College and retired educators.
For more information, contact Paula-Marie Saric at 905-688-8248 ext. 7795.
