P3.061: KIDSAFE: A School-Based Initiative for Child-Centered Disaster Preparedness

Background: Weather and climate disasters, including hurricanes, tornadoes, and wildfires, are increasing in frequency and intensity. Houston, one of the most disaster-prone U.S. cities, regularly faces hurricanes, floods, and severe storms. In 2020, the city experienced 12 major weather-related disasters, and in 2024, Hurricane Beryl caused widespread power outages and flooding. The Historic Third Ward, already vulnerable to flooding and socioeconomic challenges, was disproportionately affected.

A critical gap in child-focused disaster preparedness leaves children unprepared for emergencies. KIDSAFE (Kids Initiatives for Disaster Safety and Action for Future Events) addresses this gap, equipping children with essential knowledge and resources to navigate natural disasters.

Project Description: KIDSAFE is an interactive disaster preparedness program designed to educate children in vulnerable communities. Piloted in Houston’s Third Ward, KIDSAFE transforms disaster education into an engaging experience.

The two-day curriculum introduced 112 students in 3rd-5th grade to preparedness through interactive learning stations and an immersive escape room challenge. On Day 1, students rotated through stations covering emergency supply kits, evacuation planning, storm safety, and emergency communication. Led by medical student volunteers, activities included matching exercises, role-playing, and problem-solving challenges. On Day 2, students applied knowledge in a hurricane-themed escape room, working in teams to gather supplies, secure homes, map evacuation routes, and decode emergency messages. An activity book reinforced learning and encouraged family discussions, including creating a communication plan.

On Day 3, students assembled disaster kits with non-perishable food, first aid supplies, blankets, flashlights, and water. This hands-on approach empowered children to take an active role in family preparedness.

Discussion: Traditional disaster preparedness programs focus on adults, leaving children unprepared. KIDSAFE demonstrates that interactive, school-based education effectively engages children, increasing their confidence and readiness. The program’s experiential approach, including an escape room and disaster kit assembly, reinforced hurricane safety while making learning engaging and memorable.

A key outcome of KIDSAFE was transforming disaster preparedness from a fear-inducing topic into an empowering experience. Students eagerly shared their knowledge with families, extending the program’s impact beyond the classroom. A strength of KIDSAFE is its dual approach, providing knowledge while addressing financial barriers by distributing disaster kits, ensuring families have access to emergency resources.

Future directions include expanding KIDSAFE to more schools and integrating tools to measure knowledge retention and effectiveness. We also plan to extend the program to younger children to introduce preparedness concepts earlier. KIDSAFE serves as a model for community-driven, school-based readiness initiatives in disaster-prone areas.

Conclusion: KIDSAFE equips children with disaster preparedness skills, ensuring they feel confident in emergencies. By making preparedness engaging, the program fosters awareness and proactive decision-making. Expanding KIDSAFE to more schools and assessing its impact will strengthen community resilience. Prioritizing child-centered disaster education can create a future where preparedness becomes second nature for the next generation.