Disaster Preparedness: Creating a Generation of Prepared Youth by Shivani

Disaster Preparedness: Creating a Generation of Prepared Youth by Shivani - January 2023 Scholarship Essay

Disaster preparedness is an essential skill that should be taught as a required class in schools. With climate change and natural disasters on the rise, it is more important than ever for individuals to be equipped with the knowledge and skills to protect themselves and their communities during an emergency.
According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), disasters can come in many forms, including hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, and floods. These events can cause widespread damage, injury, and loss of life, and it is crucial that individuals are prepared to take action in the face of such crises.
Unfortunately, many schools do not currently include disaster preparedness as a required class, leaving students and their families at risk. This is a grave injustice, as it is the responsibility of schools to provide students with the knowledge and skills they need to protect themselves and their communities. By teaching disaster preparedness as a required class, schools can empower their students with the tools they need to stay safe during an emergency.
One of the main reasons disaster preparedness should be a required class is that it can save lives. According to FEMA, the most important thing individuals can do to protect themselves during a disaster is to have a plan. This includes knowing how to shelter in place, how to evacuate, and how to communicate with loved ones. By teaching students these skills, schools can equip them with the knowledge they need to make life-saving decisions during an emergency.
Additionally, disaster preparedness education can help reduce the emotional toll of disasters. Many people experience trauma after a disaster, and this can be especially true for children. By teaching students about disaster preparedness, schools can help them feel more in control and less anxious about potential emergencies. This can lead to a reduction in the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health issues. After I was in a typhoon in Japan summer of 2018, I faced multiple mental health struggles. I channeled my passion for improving mental health treatments for children after experiencing traumatic natural disaster events to research and publish a paper evaluating effective psychotherapies post-traumatic natural disaster events for children - https://scirp.org/journal/paperinformation.aspx?paperid=118761.
Another important aspect of disaster preparedness is community preparedness. By teaching students about emergency preparedness, schools can help them become leaders in their communities. They can teach their families and friends about emergency plans and encourage them to make their own plans. They can also participate in community emergency drills and exercises. This can help create a culture of preparedness in their communities, which can save lives and reduce the overall impact of disasters.
In conclusion, disaster preparedness is an essential skill that should be taught as a required class in schools. With climate change and natural disasters on the rise, it is more important than ever for individuals to be equipped with the knowledge and skills to protect themselves and their communities during an emergency. By teaching disaster preparedness as a required class, schools can empower their students with the tools they need to stay safe during an emergency, save lives, reduce the emotional toll of disasters, and create a culture of preparedness in their communities.