Photo Credit: Stefano Giovannini
Ready Schools is part of the Ready New York for Kids program, which launched in 2007 with the introduction of two interactive emergency preparedness guides for students. In spring 2009, OEM and the Department of Education (DOE) introduced a pilot program to teach the lessons from Ready New York for Kids in schools.
After a successful pilot program in Brooklyn, OEM and DOE launched Ready Schools in all five boroughs at the start of the 2009/2010 school year. To date, more than 42,000 public school students have been trained in emergency preparedness at 156 schools through the Ready Schools program.
Ready Schools focuses on three key messages:
- Get Ready: Make a Plan — Have at least two phone numbers — one local and one out-of- state number — which you can call in an emergency and practice the plan with adults in your home.
- Get Set: Prepare a Stay at Home Kit — During emergencies that require you to stay at home, it is important to have extra food and water for everyone in the house and a battery-operated radio for news updates.
- Get Ready to Go: Pack a Go Bag — During emergencies that require you to leave your home, have a Go Bag with emergency supplies.
