Expect the Unexpected - Emergency Preparedness Program
Publisher's Description
Disasters can have a devastating impact on the lives of people around the world. Canada experiences its own share of disasters—including floods, ice storms, tornados, public health crises, blackouts and forest fires
The only disaster-based educational program of its kind in Canada, Expect the Unexpected is designed to help children, youth, educators and parents learn about the importance of disaster preparedness. It features in-class and at-home activities for topics including climate change, weather events, knowing the risks in your community, safety rules, making a plan, getting an emergency kit, and dealing with emotions related to emergencies.
The Canadian Red Cross developed its Expect the Unexpected program in 1997 following the major floods in Saguenay, Quebec, in 1996. Intended for educators and parents, the program is designed to help youth and their family deal with the impact of natural disasters and adopt disaster preparedness behaviours. The Canadian Red Cross is grateful to the American Red Cross for permitting the adaptation of their Masters of Disasters program in order to create the Expect the Unexpected program.
The Expect the Unexpected program provides a variety of teaching and communication aids for teachers or educators, students and their parents, including facilitator's guides, activity booklets, videos, posters and participation certificates for students.
The program consists of three modules, each intended for a specific age group of students. There is an additional module intended for parents. Each teaches young people how to act safely in case of unexpected events and helps them deal with emergencies.
- It can happen, be ready is intended for 7- to 8-year-old students.
- Facing the unexpected, be prepared is intended for 10- to 11-year-old students.
- Be ready, be safe is intended for 12- to 13-year-old students.
- Let's plan for the unexpected is intended for parents.
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Note: These learning resources are recommended by Curriculum Services Canada. However, such a recommendation is of the resource only and should not be construed as a general recommendation of the developer of such a resource or the developer's business or related activities. While CSC recommends a resource on pedagogical grounds, the end user is fully responsible for its use.