Safety Disaster Preparedness Lesson

Lesson Overview

• Why Safety Preparedness Matters
• What Is a Disaster and What Does It Mean to Be Prepared?
• Understanding Tornadoes and NOAA Weather Radios
• After the Storm – What Are the Dangers?
• The 3 P's of Tornado Safety – Planning, Preparing, and Practicing
• Staying Safe in Public Buildings like Hospitals

A tornado warning is issued. What should you do? Who do you help? Where do you go? This lesson is designed to help students understand key safety concepts. It focuses on how to stay safe before, during, and after a disaster, with special attention to the importance of planning and helping others. By studying these concepts carefully, students will gain the confidence and knowledge needed to respond safely in a crisis

Why Safety Preparedness Matters

Natural disasters-such as tornadoes, floods, and storms-can happen without warning. While we cannot stop them, we can protect ourselves and others by learning how to respond. This is called Safety Disaster Preparedness.

What Is a Disaster and What Does It Mean to Be Prepared?

A disaster is a sudden event that can cause harm to people and damage to property. Examples include:

• Tornadoes (powerful spinning windstorms)
• Floods (when too much water covers the land)
• Earthquakes (the shaking of the ground)

Being prepared means you have a plan and the tools needed to stay safe. This includes:

• Knowing where to go during an emergency
• Having emergency supplies ready
• Practicing what to do in a drill

Understanding Tornadoes and NOAA Weather Radios

Tornadoes can form quickly and without much warning. That's why it's important to stay informed.

One of the best tools for this is a NOAA Weather Radio.

 What Is a NOAA Weather Radio?

• It is a battery-powered radio designed to broadcast weather warnings.
• It receives alerts from the National Weather Service (NWS).
• The NWS is part of a larger group called NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration).
• These radios work even when the internet and electricity are down.

 Why Is This Important?

If a tornado is coming, you'll need to act fast. Getting a warning early can give you and your family time to move to a safe place.

Pro Tip: Keep your NOAA weather radio in a place where everyone can reach it quickly.

After the Storm – What Are the Dangers?

Once a tornado ends, many people think the danger is over-but that's not always true.

What Risks Remain After a Tornado?

After a disaster, you should wait for an adult or professional (like firefighters or rescue teams) to say it's safe to go back inside.

 Why shouldn't you run into your house after a tornado?
Because damaged buildings can fall, and you may be injured by hidden dangers like broken floors or sharp debris.

The 3 P's of Tornado Safety – Planning, Preparing, and Practicing

These three steps can keep you and your loved ones safe:

Planning

• Identify safe spots in your home and school (like basements or inside hallways without windows).
• Make a family plan: Who grabs the flashlight? Who carries the emergency kit?

Preparing

• Gather supplies: water, non-perishable food, flashlight, batteries, first-aid kit, extra clothes, and your NOAA weather radio.
• Place items in an easy-to-carry bag or backpack.

Practicing

• Hold regular safety drills at home and school.
• Practice walking to the safe area.
• Teach younger siblings what to do.

Did You Know? Families who practice emergency drills are more likely to stay calm and safe during real disasters.

Staying Safe in Public Buildings like Hospitals

Being in a public place-like a hospital-during a disaster requires special steps.

What Should You Do in a Hospital?

• Move away from glass windows and doors – these can shatter and cause injury.
• Go to the innermost part of the building – tornado winds are weakest there.
• Go to the lowest floor – tornadoes usually cause more damage higher up.
• Assist others if it's safe to do so – some patients might need help.
• Never use elevators – they can get stuck or stop working during storms.

Planning for People Who Need Help

Some people need extra time or help during emergencies. These include:

• Elderly individuals
• People with physical disabilities
• Children or infants
• Anyone who uses a wheelchair or walker

Why Advance Planning Matters

If you wait until the last minute, it may be too late to move to a safe place. With a plan, everyone knows who will help and what supplies are needed.

Good Planning Includes:

• A communication plan (who calls whom)
• A buddy system (each helper supports someone)
• Emergency contacts written down, not just stored on a phone