Being prepared for life's disasters is crucial for navigating many storms. Learning preparedness skills as a youth can have a lifelong impact, equipping individuals to face emergencies with confidence and resilience.

The Harlan County Youth Preparedness Program was facilitated by the Harlan County Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent, Kentucky Emergency Management, and Harlan County Public Schools. This program aimed to educate and prepare students for disaster situations through an 18-session after-school course. The curriculum included the Citizen Emergency Response Team (CERT) training, covering topics such as disaster preparedness, medical operations, search and rescue, weather awareness, fire safety, utility control, crisis awareness, smoke alarm placement, amateur radio communications, SKYWARN Spotter training, Stop The Bleed, and CPR/AED usage. Students also interacted with professionals in fire service, public safety, emergency management, and medical response, discovering potential career opportunities.

Five students from Harlan County High School participated in and graduated from the program. These students were engaged in hands-on learning and practical exercises, developing critical thinking and leadership skills. Additionally, one student completed extra assignments with online FEMA certifications in IS-100 and IS-200.

The program had a significant impact on both the students and the community. Each student helped their family build an emergency preparedness kit and taught five other families to do the same, resulting in 30 families creating emergency preparedness kits. The students gained valuable life skills, including critical thinking, leadership development, and preparedness. Their involvement in the program not only enhanced their personal capabilities but also contributed to the overall safety and readiness of their community.

Students were asked to give an Impact Statement on what they learned from the program. Here are a few quotes:  “The skill of CPR has benefitted me.”  “…made us more aware of potential emergencies.”  “It has made an impact on me by giving me what I need to know…”  “Allowing us to gather a preparedness kit.”  “It gives us the opportunity to learn new skills and what to do in the event of an emergency…it also made me more courageous.”

To date, the program has graduated 30 students and provided education in creating a preparedness kit to 194 families.