Empowering the next generation to take charge during emergencies is at the heart of the My Preparedness Initiative (MyPI), an award-winning youth preparedness and educational outreach program for teens supported by the University of Illinois Extension. The program, which aims to train youth in Illinois about emergencies and disasters by equipping teens with life-saving skills, fostering leadership, and inspiring civic responsibility. This initiative provides essential training to Illinois school students on disaster readiness, preparing them to respond effectively in times of crisis. Recently, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency’s Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS) welcomed students from Vienna High School to their home offices as part of MyPI, giving them a unique opportunity to explore the world of emergency management and homeland security.
Students had the chance to tour the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC), where they saw firsthand how agencies collaborate during a disaster. They also visited the Radiochemistry Lab and the Radiological Emergency Assessment Center (REAC), gaining insights into the science and technology behind radiological emergency response.
Hands-On Learning through MyPI
During their tour, the Vienna High School students gained significant knowledge of the critical work emergency professionals do to manage and respond to disasters. The visit provided them with a deeper understanding of the behind-the-scenes efforts that contribute to keeping communities safe during crises.
Student Reflections: A Profound Impact
The experience had a lasting impact on the students, shaping their views on emergency preparedness and inspiring them for future careers in the field. Here’s what students had to say:
- Hope Guest (Grade 10): "Seeing everyone working together in the SEOC but all having different jobs was inspiring."
- Hayden Farmer (Grade 10): "MyPI changed my perspective on emergency preparedness because now I know what to do in medical and natural disasters."
- Sabrina Seals (Grade 10): "My favorite was the Radiochemistry Lab because it was very interesting and just caught my attention."
- Jaylyn A (Grade 10): "I think I am more experienced and prepared for a disaster now. I am more comfortable handling things head-on."
- Caroline Wright (Grade 10): "I would say my perspective on this has really changed because I had no idea how important it is. You never know when something might happen."
- Lilly Lingle (Grade 10): "The Radiochemistry Lab stuck with me. Hearing and seeing all the cool machines they used. And also learning that Illinois has most of the nuclear power plants."
- Carmen Simpson (Grade 10): “It’s important so people know how to help the community in crisis.”
Programs like MyPI go beyond teaching technical skills. They inspire young people to take an active role in building resilient communities. The visit to IEMA-OHS gave students a glimpse into how their training connects to real-world emergency management, sparking curiosity and a sense of responsibility.
Special thanks to the students from Vienna High School, their dedicated teachers, and the invaluable support from the University of Illinois Extension and IEMA-OHS for making this visit possible. Programs like MyPI play a crucial role in shaping the future leaders of emergency management, fostering preparedness, and building a stronger, more resilient future.
About the Author
Vyshnavi Jetti is an ISPP Scholar appointed to the Illinois Emergency Management Agency - Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS). In her role, Vyshnavi collaborates with Illinois Extension staff on the My Preparedness Initiative (MyPI), focusing on promoting the program and conducting research to support its mission to train kids in Illinois about emergencies and disasters.