In working to ensure readiness in the face of emergency, it’s important to ensure all members of the community and both prepared and engaged. To that measure, and to ensure the readiness of the next generation, two programs are working to draw more participation from teenagers.
As conducted from the federal level and started in 2012, FEMA is continuing to seek youth participation in the Youth Preparedness Council. Targeted toward those in the 8th to 11th grade, the program is seeking teens looking to make a difference within their communities with respect to preparedness, and will consider applicants based on previous efforts and opportunities for future growth. All applications are due by end of day on April 7, 2017.
On a more local level, New Jersey has announced their first Teen Community Emergency Response Team Explorer Post. Operating under a National Homeland Security initiative, the program is intended to train teens to assist in preparation, response, and recovery activities. Said Monmouth County Sheriff Shaun Golden, “Under the direction of the MCSO and the Monmouth County’s Office of Emergency Management (OEM), the Teen CERT program will provide critical support to our overall public safety mission. It is also another opportunity for our teenagers to become involved in the community while providing valuable life experience and possible career direction.”
Sources:
https://www.ready.gov/youth-preparedness-council
http://www.gmnews.com/2017/03/30/sheriffs-office-unveils-new-teen-cert-explorer-program/
