Take part in National Preparedness Month with MY HERO. Established in 2004, National Preparedness Month is observed in the US in September, and reminds families to plan for emergencies and disasters.
Disasters may be scary to talk about, but it can give you more confidence to have a plan. That's why it's important to talk to your family about what you would do in the event of a disaster.
Ready.gov is a national public awareness campaign to educate Americans to prepare for and respond to natural and man-made disasters. The website is a great source for disaster preparedness information.
Teachers: Visit the free MY HERO Lesson Plan for National Preparedness Month. Includes discussion guide and learning outcomes.
MY HERO Curated Multimedia Lesson Plan is Available for the National Preparedness Month Through this Link
1. Be Informed
For example, if you live in Texas, you might want to learn more about how to prepare for tornadoes.
If you live in California, you might want to learn more about what to do during an earthquake.
2. Family Evacuation Plan
During disasters, cell phone reception may not be reliable. Prepare. Talk with your family and create a family communication plan:
1. Gather all the essential contact information.
2. Find someone you can contact out of state.
3. Decide on a place to meet if you have to evacuate your house or are not at home when an evacuation order occurs.
The forms below will help you create your family communication plan.
3. Build an Emergency Kit
Disasters happen unexpectedly. And when disasters happen, communities want to get back to normal as soon as they can. Preparing for disasters can help lessen the impact of a disaster. It can save time, resources, and even lives.
Thanks for doing your part and participating in National Disaster Preparedness Month!
E-Book
Red Cross/Disney Disaster Preparedness Activity Book
From the Red Cross: "Download the cobranded Red Cross and Disney Mickey and Friends Disaster Preparedness Activity Book, which teaches youth how to be prepared and stay safe during disasters. Using interactive games and activities, children and their families learn how to be better prepared for the unexpected in a safe and stress free environment."
Videos
From FEMA for Kids-- what to do in an Emergency
A MY HERO Intern shares advice for going back to school during the pandemic.
People in Senegal have advice for staying safe during a pandemic.
Related Pages | MY HERO Films on disaster relief
There are remarkable heroes who jump into action and help others who are suffering from a natural disaster. Jon Rose from Waves for Water: https://www.wavesforwater.org, provides fresh water and disaster relief in the farthest regions of the globe.
Asya Rachitsky continues to help those in need from tragedy of the Hurricane Maria.
Asya was in Puerto Rico during the 2017 hurricane and shares dramatic footage. She commits her life to helping those in need.
Related Pages | Disaster Hero Stories
Welles, Crowther, known as The Man in the Red Bandanna, saved 18 people in the 9/11 Twin Towers attack.
Parlui Valentina rescued her two granddaughters from a house fire started by an old TV.
External Links
A new story book that aims to help children understand and come to terms with COVID-19 has been produced by a collaboration of more than 50 organizations working in the humanitarian sector, including the World Health Organization, the United Nations Children’s Fund, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and Save the Children.
With the help of a fantasy creature, Ario, “My Hero is You, How kids can fight COVID-19!” explains how children can protect themselves, their families and friends from coronavirus and how to manage difficult emotions when confronted with a new and rapidly changing reality.
Click here for the story in English.
Click here for choice of language translations of the book.
Additional resources at RedCross.org and Save the Children's Get Ready Get Safe sites.
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Hero Stories curated by MY HERO General Editors Deborah Neff and Abigail Richardson. |
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Short films curated by MY HERO International Film Festival director Wendy Milette. |
Organizer created on 8/29/2018 5:11:43 PM by Xenia Shin
Last edited 8/21/2023 1:02:24 PM by Abigail Richardson
