The 2023 Youth Preparedness Summit, July 18-19, 2023. Courtesy FEMA
Wildfire…tornadoes…hurricanes….earthquake…flash floods…and more. All of these catastrophes were the hots topics of conversation and especially instructive for a group of 8th– through 11th-graders from across the country who may one day become our next generation of emergency managers. For the past decade, I have had the privilege to serve alongside Florida’s Emergency Management directors and key staff before, during and after most of the catastrophes to hit Florida. After each event, there would be teams of youth from church groups and nonprofits giving back to restore communities. Many of these same youth make up FEMA’s Youth Preparedness Council (YPC) and last month they met at FEMA headquarters for their annual two-day conference. They were joined by Ali Zaidi, Assistant to the President and head of the White House Climate Policy Office, and by FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell and her leadership team.
“We are facing an unprecedented number of disasters in this country today and we can only expect that number to increase in the months and years to come,” Administrator Criswell told them. “You offer the fresh perspectives and unconventional approaches that can advance the way we deliver our assistance to communities who need it the most.”
Throughout the summit, YPC members enhanced their knowledge and engaged with seasoned professionals and experts in emergency management. Among the event activities was a workshop to provide hands-on Incident Command System training. Sure it was a fun activity; but it also allowed the students to immerse themselves in the emergency simulation and helped them develop critical decision-making skills that we know are so important.
FEMA YPC members devote a year to learning about emergency management. The council provides FEMA with an avenue to engage young people and gain direct insights on ways to consider their perspectives, feedback and opinions. All of us know the importance of mentoring and guiding the generation after us and so if you have an interest in learning more, please let me know. I enjoy my work with “young guns” as I call them and can introduce you to several! For more information about the council, visit the Youth Preparedness Council webpage.
Up next, all the recent news and happenings in disaster management, property insurance, fraud, and lots more!
LMA Newsletter of 8-7-23
