Elementary schools throughout Michigan are again being offered a national program to prepare fifth-graders for tornadoes, flooding and other emergencies.
Provided at no cost to schools, Student Tools for Emergency Planning provides the curriculum and materials including instructor guides, student handouts and starter emergency supply kits.
Last year, teachers from 150 schools in Michigan taught STEP, reaching 9,800 students, according to the Michigan State Police/Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division, which sponsors the program. This year’s goal is to share it with at least 10,000 Michigan fifth-graders.
“Fifth-graders who participate in the STEP program gain important and potentially lifesaving knowledge about emergency preparedness,” said Capt. Chris A. Kelenske, deputy state director of the MSP/EMHSD. “Students can then share that knowledge at home with family and friends, making their communities better prepared for an emergency or disaster.”
The basic lesson is one hour of instruction which can be expanded to eight hours of lessons. The curriculum can be taught by teachers, school officials, first responders or volunteers.
Those interested can fill out the Application and Acceptance form at www.michigan.gov/step and submit it via mail, email or fax by Nov. 10,
STEP It is funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
