Jefferson County Homeland Security and Emergency Management (JCHSEM) is once again sponsoring the Disaster Ready Kids Program for the summer of 2016. The Disaster Ready Kids program started in 2002 and has assisted in preparing hundreds of children and families to be more prepared in the event of a disaster.

Each year JCHSEM volunteers go to local schools, day care centers, camps, scout troops and other youth groups to give presentations on emergency preparedness to encourage everyone to start thinking about emergencies in a positive and interactive way.

These presentations are tailored to the age of the participants and may include reading children’s disaster preparedness books, showing DVDs, working on activities, teaching pet preparedness or teaching children how to help their family to prepare a disaster supply kit.

After the presentations, JCHSEM provides each participant with useful, lifesaving information on how they can take steps to prepare their friends, family and community before a disaster occurs. There is no cost to participate in this program.

The JCHSEM Disaster Ready Kids program has access to over 75 books and DVDs, designed for all age groups and continues to add to them yearly. Topics which can be covered include winter storms, lightning, flooding, hurricanes, tornadoes, power outages, emergency preparedness kits, children in disasters, pets in disasters and more.

This year JCHSEM is excited to use the “Mimi Mouse Learns to Prepare for Emergencies” DVD and accompanying materials. The Mimi Mouse program is designed for 4-7 year olds and provides general tips for parents on how to talk about emergencies, teaches children what an emergency kit is and how to build one, informs children about who to contact during an emergency and how to review and practice for the family’s emergency plan.

The 2016 summer season schedule runs from May 1 until Sept. 30. Those with questions about the program, who would like to register for the program or who would like to volunteer, please contact Brandon Vallee at 304-724-8914 or email to bvallee@jefferson countywv.org as soon as possible.