Disaster Response-Youth
In many disasters, bystanders are on the scene before trained responders. The MSU Extension Service works to give teens the information and hands-on training they need to help their families, friends, and neighbors in times of need through the Mississippi Youth Preparedness Initiative, or MyPI.
The program emphasizes disaster preparedness through educational workshops and exercises, such as developing or enhancing a family disaster-preparedness kit.
Extension instructors have added CPR training, defibrillator training, and a technology track where teens will learn about smoke alarms, weather radios, ham radios, smartphone apps, and social media. Other topics include disaster preparedness, fire safety, medical considerations, Community Emergency Response Training (CERT) organization, terrorism, disaster psychology, and light search and rescue.
The program is based on curricula approved by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and builds on existing CERT programs.
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Ryan Akers recently graduated from the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s National Emergency Management Executive Academy at the Emergency Management Institute in Emmitsburg, Maryland.
STARKVILLE, Miss. -- One of the most difficult tasks a parent or provider will face is guiding children through the grief and instability brought on by tragedy.
Natural disasters, terrorism, mass shootings, deaths of loved ones, or acts of domestic or physical violence are traumatic for everyone. When faced with these events, children and adults alike experience feelings of fear, helplessness and anxiety. However, children have very little, if any, experience in properly dealing with those feelings.
MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Teachers, students and parents need to be on the same page when disasters happen during school hours.
Ryan Akers, assistant Extension professor of community preparation and disaster management at Mississippi State University, said basic plans can make a huge difference for everyone involved when emergencies occur.
“Emergency plans are becoming more important to schools, and not just the traditional fire and tornado drills,” Akers said. “Schools are gathering supplies and working on extensive communication plans to help everyone involved.”
LOUISVILLE – Long before the dark clouds rolled across the state on April 28, the Mississippi State University Extension Service had been prepared to provide a silver lining for children displaced by disaster.
Louise Davis, Extension professor of child and family development, said “safe spaces” are set up at shelters in Tupelo and Louisville. Extension staff with the Mississippi Child Care Resource and Referral Network will oversee these sites.
By Brittnie Burton
MSU Ag Communications
MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Learning opportunities for teens do not end when school lets out for the summer in communities across Mississippi.
The Mississippi State University Extension Service is recruiting students in six counties for the inaugural Mississippi Youth Preparedness Initiative, or MyPI.
