Nebraska Extension pilots youth preparedness initiative

MyPI
MyPI Nebraska instructors practice using cribbing.

January 9, 2018

Lincoln, Neb. —Nebraska Extension and Nebraska 4-H are piloting a youth preparedness and educational outreach program known as MyPI (My Youth Preparedness Initiative) Nebraska now through August 2018. 

MyPI Nebraska is a component of the National Youth Preparedness Initiative, a partnership delivering an innovative and engaging curriculum for teenagers across Nebraska and seven other states.

“Everyone can play a part in preparing for disasters and emergencies, especially teens,” said Nebraska Extension Disaster Education Coordinator Ashley Mueller. “They bring unique perspectives and experiences when it comes to preparedness, and tapping into these can be very valuable to their families and communities.” 

MyPI offers a flexible five to 10 week program. For the pilot, each state must graduate 125 teens by having them complete three components.

In component A, teenagers will complete the United States Department of Homeland Security/Federal Emergency Management Teen Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training focusing on disaster preparedness, fire safety and utility control, disaster medical operations, light search and rescue, disaster psychology, and terrorism.

Component B features certification in CPR and AED usage, along with awareness programs focusing on HAM radio, NOAA weather radio, smoke alarm maintenance, and smart phone application and social media in emergency preparedness. The component also includes a disaster simulation, and a focus on public safety, fire service and emergency management careers.

The final element of the program, component C, includes a comprehensive family and community service project entitled "Prep + 6," in which each participant helps develop emergency supply kits and emergency communication plans for their family and six additional families or households. This component allows for significant enhancement in individual, family, and community preparedness and resilience.

Graduates of the program will receive a MyPI/CERT backpack filled with basic disaster and emergency response supplies.

In addition to Nebraska, MyPI is also being piloted in Hawaii, New Jersey, Washington, Illinois, Tennessee, Virginia, and Mississippi. Nebraska Extension has partnered with Nebraska Citizen Corps to deliver the program and has made plans to continue beyond the pilot phase.

For more information on MyPI Nebraska and how to get involved, visit http://mypinebraska.org or contact Ashely Mueller at 402-727-2775 or ashley.mueller@unl.edu.

Ashley Mueller
Disaster Education Coordinator
Nebraska Extension
402-727-2775
ashley.mueller@unl.edu

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