Involving Youth in Emergency Preparedness

— Written By Sarah Kocher and last updated by
en Español / em Português
Español

El inglés es el idioma de control de esta página. En la medida en que haya algún conflicto entre la traducción al inglés y la traducción, el inglés prevalece.

Al hacer clic en el enlace de traducción se activa un servicio de traducción gratuito para convertir la página al español. Al igual que con cualquier traducción por Internet, la conversión no es sensible al contexto y puede que no traduzca el texto en su significado original. NC State Extension no garantiza la exactitud del texto traducido. Por favor, tenga en cuenta que algunas aplicaciones y/o servicios pueden no funcionar como se espera cuando se traducen.


Português

Inglês é o idioma de controle desta página. Na medida que haja algum conflito entre o texto original em Inglês e a tradução, o Inglês prevalece.

Ao clicar no link de tradução, um serviço gratuito de tradução será ativado para converter a página para o Português. Como em qualquer tradução pela internet, a conversão não é sensivel ao contexto e pode não ocorrer a tradução para o significado orginal. O serviço de Extensão da Carolina do Norte (NC State Extension) não garante a exatidão do texto traduzido. Por favor, observe que algumas funções ou serviços podem não funcionar como esperado após a tradução.


English

English is the controlling language of this page. To the extent there is any conflict between the English text and the translation, English controls.

Clicking on the translation link activates a free translation service to convert the page to Spanish. As with any Internet translation, the conversion is not context-sensitive and may not translate the text to its original meaning. NC State Extension does not guarantee the accuracy of the translated text. Please note that some applications and/or services may not function as expected when translated.

Collapse ▲

Personal safety brings to mind a whole different meaning today than it did just a few years ago, and it can be confusing to know what youth and families can do to be prepared for emergencies. The good news is emergency preparedness does not have to be tackled in one fell swoop, and there are a number of resources 4-H and other public agencies provide to help in this area.

Ready.gov offers information on preparing for anything from extreme heat and hurricanes to power outages and attacks in public places. One tool that can be used for a variety of situations is an emergency plan.

An emergency plan creates a layer of protection and spells out how a family plans to react to sudden events. Even the most basic plans should include phone numbers for important contacts and a designated meeting place.

Communication is key to creating a successful plan. The Federal Emergency Management Agency recommends sending text messages to communicate during emergencies unless a person is in immediate danger. This helps keep phone lines open for emergency responders.

EMS building

A Caldwell County Emergency Services building near downtown Lenoir is pictured here. The Federal Emergency Management Agency recommends sending text messages to communicate during emergencies unless a person is in immediate danger, because this helps keep phone lines open for emergency responders.

Caldwell County uses Code RED as a public announcement system for emergencies. To access the sign-up for this service, visit caldwellcountync.org and click on the Code RED icon at the top of the home page. Teens and other youth with mobile devices as well as adults can utilize this free service as part of their plan.

The link to sign up for Code RED, an emergency alert system, is located on the homepage for Caldwell County.

The link to sign up for Code RED, an emergency alert system, is located on the homepage for Caldwell County.

In addition to helping their family create an emergency plan and registering for the emergency alert system, youth can help create a supply kit and learn about first aid.

Common items for an emergency supply kit include water, shelf-stable foods, cash, prescription medications and important documents like insurance policies, forms of personal identification and bank account records. FEMA also recommends keeping a sleeping bag or blanket for each person, hygiene supplies, a portable charger, battery-powered radio and paper with writing utensils.

It is critical to consider any special needs within a family. If there is an infant, diapers and formula should be included. If a family has pets, some pet food should be stored with the emergency kit supplies.

All items should also be checked periodically for their expiration dates.

Families can also add a few extras like a coloring book, playing cards or other activities for youth. For a more complete list of ideas for an emergency kit, visit ready.gov.

To learn about first aid, families can purchase a first aid activity book at cost for $5 from Caldwell County 4-H. Activities such as first aid for broken bones, burns and reacting to foreign objects in eyes, hands or feet teach youth practical skills and spur conversations about safety.

From the 4-H archives, three Caldwell County youth pose during Summer Exploring under their structure after a shelter-building activity. Hands-on practice helps youth learn emergency preparedness skills.

From the 4-H archives, three Caldwell County youth pose during Summer Exploring under their structure after a shelter-building activity. Hands-on practice helps youth learn emergency preparedness skills.

For more information about the role of youth in emergency preparedness, contact 4-H Agent Sarah Kocher at sarah_kocher@ncsu.edu or 828-757-1258. Caldwell County 4-H is a proud member agency of United Way.

Sarah Kocher is the 4-H Youth Development Agent with N.C. Cooperative Extension of Caldwell County. The N.C. Cooperative Extension, Caldwell County Center, 120 Hospital Ave. NE #1 in Lenoir, provides access to resources of NC State University and N.C. A&T State University through educational programs and publications.