New Game Teaches Children Emergency Preparedness

While we our interest may be in the area of industrial safety and productivity, most of us have children and we are also concerned about their safety. The following press release from NFPA describes a new emergency preparedness game for children in kindergarden through second grade.

NFPA launches new game to teach children emergency preparedness

January 9, 2007 – The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) today launched a new Sparky the Fire Dog® game to help children learn about emergency preparedness. The game, “Look and Learn,” is now available free online. It stresses the importance of being prepared for an emergency by teaching children about items that should be included in an emergency supplies kit.

Each year natural disasters disrupt the lives of hundreds of thousands of children and their families. NFPA developed Risk Watch®: Natural Disasters to help children and their families deal with disasters before, during and after the event. Sparky’s® new game is the latest addition to support this effort and is available by visiting NFPA’s Risk Watch® Web site and entering the “Kids Only” section of the site.

"Everyone runs the risk of experiencing a natural disaster and that includes children," said Amy LeBeau, NFPA’s communications manager of public education. "Sparky’s new game is a great way for parents and teachers to educate children about emergency preparedness with a fun interactive lesson."

Players of Sparky’s “Look and Learn” visit six different fun and interactive scenes as they are tasked with assisting Sparky by locating hidden items to complete his emergency supplies kit. During their search for the hidden items, players travel through a Hideaway Island, Campground, Safari, Haunted House, Underwater Adventure and Prehistoric Park to locate things like flashlights, batteries, extra clothing, a whistle, canned food and other items that are often necessities in an emergency. After finding all of the emergency supplies in each section of the game, children will be able to download and print out an emergency supplies checklist that they can use to make their own emergency supplies kit.

Sparky’s "Look and Learn" game provides a fun and safe learning experience for kids and there is no advertising on the kids section of the site. The game is most appropriate for children in kindergarten through second grade, but may be of interest to all ages.

About Sparky®
Sparky the Fire Dog, recognized the world over for his efforts to educate children and adults about fire prevention and life safety, has been the official spokesdog for the NFPA since 1951. Sparky’s award-winning Web site gives kids a safe environment to learn about keeping safe from fire and other hazards while at the same time, having fun. Sparky® and Sparky the Fire Dog® are registered trademarks of NFPA.

About Risk Watch®
Risk Watch® is the first comprehensive injury prevention and disaster preparation program available for use in schools. Developed by NFPA, Risk Watch gives children and their families the skills and knowledge they need to create safer homes and communities. Visit the Risk Watch Web site.

About NFPA
NFPA has been a worldwide leader in providing fire, electrical, building, and life safety to the public since 1896. The mission of the international nonprofit organization is to reduce the worldwide burden of fire and other hazards on the quality of life by providing and advocating consensus codes and standards, research, training, and education.