Disasters can be a scary subject for kids, but the American Red Cross has teamed up with Disney to help kids and their parents prepare for disasters in a fun way.
The new Mickey and Friends Disaster Preparedness Activity Book features Disney characters, interactive games and activities to teach kids interesting facts about disasters such as floods, tornadoes and hurricanes, and tips on how to get prepared and feel safer as a result.
Kids learn what to do before, during and after each particular disaster—for example, an earthquake—and then they get to use that knowledge in a fun game such as a puzzle, word search or maze.
The digital activity book also guides kids through putting together a disaster supplies kit and safety plan, and includes helpful preparedness notes for parents. After completing the activity book, kids even get a “Safety Certificate” to show that they have taken steps to become better prepared. The book is available to download in English and Spanish.
The Red Cross and Disney
Disney has been a long-time supporter of the Red Cross, including support for disaster relief, youth preparedness initiatives and the Annual Disaster Giving Program (ADGP).
With their renewed commitment to youth preparedness for the upcoming year, Disney and the Red Cross are helping to ensure that families and communities are prepared for the unexpected, which can ultimately reduce the impact of disasters.
Disney Friends for Change—a global initiative that inspires kids and families to take action and make a difference in their communities—will feature an interstitial on its website that shows kids three easy steps to prepare for disasters: get a kit, make a plan and be informed. The spot will also air on Disney Channel throughout September.
Disney also invested $1 million last year to support the national rollout of the Red Cross’ Pillowcase Project, a program aimed at preparing students, and in turn their families, for disasters and emergencies.
For more information on how your family can prepare for disasters and other emergencies, visit http://www.redcross.org/prepare/location/home-family.