Kane County OEM Program Impacts Kids' Confidence in Responding to Emergencies
Among the many programs and responsibilities of the Kane County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is an Emergency Preparedness Program for Kids. This initiative aims to provide children with the essential knowledge and tools to effectively respond to emergencies, fostering habits that will benefit them throughout their lives.
“The program's primary objective is to educate children, specifically those aged 6-12, on how to prepare for and respond to various emergencies,” said Beth Drendel, OEM Emergency Preparedness Specialist. “By building confidence and reducing fear and anxiety associated with such situations, the program empowers young participants to take proactive steps during emergencies,” added Drendel.
The free program features interactive workshops and training sessions designed to engage children in emergency preparedness. These sessions include hands-on activities that simulate real-life emergency scenarios, providing practical experience and reinforcing critical skills. 
Each participant will receive a fully equipped "go-to" emergency bag, which includes:
- First aid kits
- Flashlights
- Emergency whistles
- Emergency contact information cards
- Creative learning tools like coloring books
The OEM Emergency Preparedness Program has already shown promising results. Children who have participated report feeling less afraid of thunderstorms and more confident in navigating fire emergencies. This boost in confidence and knowledge is crucial in helping children remain calm and effective during real emergencies.
“We had around 18 scouts from our Pack attend the Emergency Preparedness class this year, as well as another 12 students from our neighbor Pack, 138. After the class, every scout I spoke to was highly positive about the class, and they reported that they learned a lot about how to handle emergencies,” said Christi Wilson, Cubmaster of Pack 137 in Geneva.
Wilson added that during the tornadoes that hit Kane County earlier in the year, impacting her neighborhood directly, her 10-year-old twins grabbed their Go Bags and knew to head for the basement. “I could tell they were less anxious and afraid of the storms and sirens because they felt prepared," said Wilson.
Long-term benefits of the program include:
- Lifelong skills in emergency preparedness for children
- Informed and capable children and young adults benefiting families and communities
- Increased community resilience through widespread preparedness
The Kane County Emergency Preparedness Program for Kids not only equips children with the knowledge and tools to handle emergencies, but also fosters a culture of preparedness that benefits families and the entire community.
Drendel recently discussed the program on Chicago radio station WGN. You can here the interview here ... https://wgnradio.com/lisa-dent/kane-county-oem-program-boost-kids-confidence-in-responding-to-emergencies/
For more information, please contact Beth Drendel with the Kane County Office of Emergency Management at 630-232-5985 or email her at drendelbeth@kanecountyil.gov.
