Fun Ideas for Emergency Preparedness

Emergency-Preparedness Event

• Organize an emergency-preparedness event at work or your child's school. Appoint an emergency committee to oversee all emergency situations. Call your local fire department to speak to your co-workers or students about the importance of following a plan to exit the building in the case of a fire and who is in charge of ensuring everyone has exited the building safely. Contact your local hospital and invite a health-care professional to come in and speak about the importance of hygiene during cold and flu season. Make it a game and hand out prizes when a student or co-worker is observed using good hygiene techniques such as using antibacterial wipes on computer keyboards and desks.

Create a Game for Kids Preparedness

• Talking about emergency situations is often frightening for kids. Fema suggests playing fun games and quizzes you can use to prepare kids in the case of an emergency. Coloring books for young children that depict tornadoes or hurricanes create an open dialogue about these emergencies. Older children can play math games to crack a secret code about what to do in the case of a fire.

Scavenger Hunt for Emergency Kit

• In order for your family to be prepared for an emergency, an emergency kit is necessary to have on hand. Rather than gather all the items yourself make a fun scavenger hunt game to collect all the items you will need in the case of any emergency. List the items and give the list to the kids and send them on their way to finding everything. Don't forget items like a flashlight, first-aid supplies, canned pet food and drinking water. Kids will have a blast finding all the items and will learn about emergency preparedness at the same time.