Young children learn best through stories, pictures, and hands-on activities. FEMA’s Be a Hero curriculum for grades 1 and 2 uses three inquiry-based lessons to teach the basics of emergency preparedness in a way that is engaging and age-appropriate.

⚠️ The “They are too young” assumption. Even first graders can learn what an emergency is and what to do. The key is to start simple, use pictures and stories, and build understanding gradually. By the final lesson, students become heroes who share what they learned with their families.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended as, and should not be considered, professional or educational advice. Adapt all activities to the age and needs of your students.

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The Readiness Audit

Do the young children in your life know what to do in an emergency?

• 🟢 Green: They can name different emergencies and know the safe actions for each.
• 🟡 Yellow: They have heard of emergencies but do not know what to do.
• 🔴 Red: They have never been taught about emergencies.

If you are Yellow or Red, execute Phase 1 immediately.

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Phase 1: Find the Facts

Goal: Teach children what an emergency is.

• The question: What is an emergency? What is a natural disaster?
• The activity: Identify emergencies that could impact them and their community.
• The learning: Explain the causes of emergencies based on geography, climate, and season.

The Takeaway: Understanding what an emergency is comes first.

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Phase 2: Superheroes, Ready

Goal: Teach children how to prepare.

• The kit: Identify what should go in an emergency kit.
• The plan: Create a simple communications plan to share with their families.
• The review: Evaluate plans and kits, and find ways to improve them.

The Takeaway: Preparation is a skill children can learn and practice.

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Phase 3: We Know What To Do

Goal: Teach children safe actions.

• The actions: Identify and demonstrate safe behaviors for different emergencies.
• The examples: House fires, tornadoes, and extreme weather.
• The project: Create a Ready Book to share with family and school.

The Takeaway: Knowing what to do turns fear into confidence.

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The Essential Kit Checklist

• Lesson 1: Teach what an emergency is and the kinds that could happen.
• Lesson 2: Build a simple emergency kit and communications plan.
• Lesson 3: Practice safe actions for fires, tornadoes, and weather.
• The project: Help children create a Ready Book to share.

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Scenario Planner (Contingencies)

“My child is too young to understand.” The trap: underestimating young children. The fix: use pictures, stories, and simple language. Even young children can learn the basics.

“I do not want to scare my child.” The trap: avoiding the topic entirely. The fix: frame preparedness as empowerment, not fear. Children who understand emergencies are calmer, not more afraid.

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Next: Read Part 2: Grades 3-5 to build on the basics with older elementary students.