April 2012 – Harden Up eNews

Email not viewing correctly? Click here to view in your browser.

April 2012

Talking to your kids about disasters can be fun

Thanks to those of you who shared your feedback about last month's preparedness tip 'securing loose backyard items'. We have enjoyed reading your comments and thanks for sharing your tips.

This month is all about young people. Preparing kids for the event of an emergency is incredibly important. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Show them where your emergency kit is kept, what's in it and how to use it.
Test their knowledge of severe weather events.
Show them how to use your battery radio and find emergency radio frequencies.
What if you are injured? Do they know how to call 000?

We hope you and your kids will never face an emergency situation, but why leave it to chance? To help, Harden Up Kids is full of resources, games and activities to help make preparing your family easy and achievable.

Getting prepared is fun!

For this month's preparedness activity, talk to your children about severe weather events. This doesn't need to be a scary thing! Use the games and activities on Harden Up Kids to have some fun and learn at the same time. Don't forget to log into your Harden Up plan and tick off this important step.

Get smart(phone) and prepared

The Australian Emergency Management Institute has developed an iPhone and iPod Touch app for middle year students called Before the Storm. The game is designed to capture get them thinking about storm preparation and disaster resilience.

Sustainable rebuilding showcased at Muphy's Creek

An award-winning example of community engagement, with both practical and educational benefits, is showcased at Murphy's Creek near Toowoomba. Students from Real Studio QUT designed and rebuilt an agricultural shed which is part of the Bicentennial National Trail. Green Cross Australia supported the project by providing links to industry through our Build it Back Green project.

Don't forget the pets

Pets are part of your family too! They are also a great way for your children to learn about responsibility. Ask your children to develop an emergency plan for your pets to help them about emergency planning and taking responsibility. Stay tuned for more on pets and animals next issue.