The Florida Division of Emergency Management’s (FDEM) mission is to ensure that Florida is prepared to respond to emergencies, recover from them, and mitigate against their impacts. Florida is prone to many different types of severe weather. One of our goals is to provide all Floridians with assistance in understanding what to do when disasters occur While adults better understand the risks a disaster brings and the threat to their families, friends, pets, property, and everyday activities, preparedness can be a difficult subject for children to comprehend. FDEM has developed and cultivated an outreach program that focuses entirely on promoting safety awareness and tips on what to do if a disaster occurs to Florida children.
The Kids Get a Plan (KGAP) program has been in place for 10 years, reaching out to children across the state of Florida through an interactive website, mobile app, statewide outreach events and the annual Severe Weather Awareness Week contests.
Since its launch, KGAP has developed a total of 5 books targeted to elementary-aged students: The 30/30 Rule, The Oak Tree Club, The Wacky Whiz-Bang, Weather-Watching Wonder, Mega Track HTW and Turn Around, Don’t Drown. Each book covers different types of severe weather and is written in different reading levels from lower- to upper-elementary level. The characters in each of the books are featured throughout the website in activities and games. With characters like Professor Tinkermeister, Rabbit, Possum and Squirrel, disaster preparedness become
s an easier and more fun topic for children to pick up and share with their family.
Do your kids know about the different kinds of severe weather in Florida? Most importantly, do they know what to do to keep safe during each type of disaster? Get the family conversation started today. Check out KidsGetaPlan.com and encourage your child to become a weather whiz! Whether it’s learning how to create a firewise home or knowing what to do when a tornado warning is issued – Kids Get a Plan will get your kids ready to tackle whatever disaster comes their way.
Florida Division of Emergency Management 