PHILADELPHIA – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) welcomes Ms. Nyla Howell from Springdale, Maryland as one of the 15 national selectees for the 2017–2019 Youth Preparedness Council (YPC).
The FEMA YPC was formed in 2012 to bring together high school-age youth leaders from across the country who are interested and engaged in emergency preparedness. The 15 council members are attending the YPC Summit in Washington, D.C., from July 18-19, to meet with FEMA leaders and prepare for the year ahead.
“The YPC presents an opportunity for students to engage with FEMA on important topics, including emergency preparedness,” stated FEMA Region III Regional Administrator MaryAnn Tierney. “By working closely with the youth in our region, we can make a positive difference in the communities we serve.”
Ms. Howell’s strong passion for the study of natural disasters and emergency management led her to apply for the Youth Preparedness Council. In addition to belonging to the Eleanor Roosevelt High School Environmental Entrepreneurs and the Do Something Club, she also led an emergency preparedness presentation to college freshmen at the University of Maryland, highlighting the importance of awareness during severe weather. She has gained additional leadership experience by creating lesson plans and activities as a volunteer at Girl Scouts summer camp. Recently, she participated in the Skywarn Basics I Course through the National Weather Service and would like to become a volunteer storm spotter.
“Nyla’s consistent leadership and communication skills permit her to continually volunteer at Girl Scout camps, in her community, and at her high school, educating and training youth on environmental issues such as climate change and on emergency preparedness,” said Cynthia Baker, Learning and Organizational Manager for the Prince George’s County Health Department. “Having recently completed her basic training as a member of Prince George’s County Teen CERT [Community Emergency Response Team], Nyla will put her leadership skills to work making preparedness plans with other teens, conducting community trainings and exercises.”
During her time on the council, Ms. Howell wants to educate children about emergency preparedness. Ms. Howell’s goal is to encourage more youth to pledge to plan for disasters.
To learn more about the FEMA YPC, please visit: Ready.gov/Youth-Preparedness-Council.
FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards. FEMA Region III’s jurisdiction includes Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia. Stay informed of FEMA’s activities online: videos and podcasts are available at fema.gov/medialibrary and youtube.com/fema. Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/femaregion3.
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