Preparing kids for disasters and emergencies
Joint Media Release
Attorney-General
Hon Robert McClelland MP
Federal Member for Eden-Monaro
Hon Mike Kelly AM MP
30 June 2010
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, and Federal Member for Eden-Monaro, Mike Kelly, today launched new education materials to help school students better understand and prepare for natural disasters and emergencies.
The new materials, used for the first time today by students in years 4 and 5 at Jerrabomberra Public School, include an interactive media game, actual student experiences and lesson plans aimed at teaching kids how to be ready for an emergency.
“Using the latest technology to encourage students to understand their community, and what happens during and after a natural disaster – be it a bushfire, hailstorm, flood or even a tsunami – is a great way to ensure young people become more self-reliant if a natural disaster occurs,” Mr McClelland said.
The materials have a strong focus on personal stories and experiences and include:
- Dingo Creek – The Recovery: Raises awareness of local risks and impacts of disasters by introducing the recovery process through engagement with an affected community;
- Living with Disasters: Includes 10 digital stories from young people who experienced the events of Black Saturday in Victoria in order to learn how families and communities were affected; and
- People, Get Ready: Comprises four activities to build student understanding and awareness of emergency issues prior to a natural disaster occurring.
Dr Kelly said residents in Eden-Monaro were all too familiar with the need to prepare for natural disasters, from fires to floods and severe storms.
“These innovative resources will be a valuable addition to the important work that local emergency service agencies, volunteer groups and non-government organisations are doing to help Australians cope with disasters in the future.”
The materials are available from the Emergency Management Australia website at www.ema.gov.au/schools.
Media Contact:
Adam Siddique (McClelland) 0407 473 630
Ashley Ubrihien (Kelly) 0447 694 201
