OES for Kids

About the Program

Category: Children and Youth (Best in Category)

Year: 2009

The San Diego Office of Emergency Services recognizes the importance of emergency preparation at home, community, workplace, and school settings. The OES for Kids program was initiated to foster student awareness of the need to plan and prepare for disasters that may occur while they are at or away from home. A key program goal is to provide information to the students, and subsequently their families, about how to start or augment their home emergency plan. The program is structured around five interactive work stations staffed by local emergency response agencies where fourth grade students learn how to prepare and respond to local disasters. Students rotate from station to station, where they are taught disaster preparation and safety skills and participate in engaging activities and demonstrations. Students are instructed in pet-safety, basic first aid, and the creation of emergency kits.