EXEMPLARY PRACTICES IN EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
Chimacum High School Earthquake Preparedness Program
Program Description: This program involves high school students teaching elementary school students about earthquake preparedness. Each class designs its own project for communicating this information. School staff see the value of such peer education.
For example, the class of 1997 designed a community service project. One element of the project was to participate in the school district's earthquake preparedness committee and provide input from the students. The students also researched the needs of classroom teachers, purchased supplies, and stocked each classroom with a "teacher's kit." They also researched and prepared personal "kid kits," which are sold for $7. The "kid kits" are a voluntary purchase. In addition, the students prepared an earthquake preparedness course script based on information from FEMA "Earthquake Dudes" and FEMA literature, a videotape, and an earthquake simulation with sound effects, which is available upon request.
Each class restocks the "teacher's kit." High school students have taken American Red Cross courses, so shelters could be opened in high schools if needed.
Evaluation Information: Formal evaluation forms are completed after every class session by the regular classroom teacher and class students. All forms are on file. There are increased signs of school and community concern and awareness as elementary students discuss what they have learned with their parents and siblings.
Annual Budget: The school district budgeted $800 to $1,000 to purchase supplies for the "teacher's kits."
Sources of Funding: The Chimacum school district and Chimacum class of 1997 fundraising.
Program Type: Teaching earthquake preparedness.
Target Population: Chimacum elementary school students.
Setting: Rural Western Washington Olympic Peninsula, in a community located near a newly documented, active earthquake faultline.
Project Startup Date: 1993.
Contact:
Michelle Kelley
Volunteer
Chimacum High School
Chimacum, WA 98325
Tel: 360-732-4481
Fax: 360-732-7359
Last Modified: Wednesday, 29-Mar-2006 12:42:14 EST