Student Tools for Emergency Planning (STEP)

Volunteer NH is partnering with FEMA to deliver a preparedness education program in the state of NH. STEP: Student Tools for Emergency Planning.

September is National Preparedness month, and the NH kickoff for this initiative.

STEP teaches 5th grade students life saving skills for how to deal with common emergencies- such as what to do if they are stuck outside in a thunderstorm- and results in students initiating preparedness strategies in their homes such as assembling emergency kits and communication plans. The program includes a 1 hour minimum time commitment in the classroom.

Volunteer NH will provide volunteers, most of whom belong to local Community Emergency Response Teams, to deliver the program throughout New Hampshire's schools.

Over 3,000 teachers across New England who participated in the STEP program over the last two years found the following aspects most appealing about the program:

• STEP requires only 1 hour of classroom time during the school year. Optional supplemental lessons are malleable enough to fit into a variety of subject areas such as math, language arts, social studies, and science.
• All student receive yellow back packs with starter emergency kits- flashlight with batteries, emergency blanket, whistle, snack bar, bottle of water.
• STEP lessons were created by teachers and designed with state and national standards.
• STEP was a beneficial expansion to already established school emergency safety plans.

 If you are interested in learning more we encourage you to visit www.riema.ri.gov/step.

Or see these documents: STEP Information 1 - STEP Information Sheet 2

If you are interested in having us deliver the program at your school or have any additional questions please feel free to call us at 603-271-7211 or email us at vista@volunteernh.org