In Case Of Emergency, Read Blog

The Federal Emergency Management Agency is funding the development of a video game, “Disaster Hero,” to teach children and their parents, caregivers and teachers how to prepare for various emergencies, according to an article in Occupational Health and Safety. It is being created with the help of the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) and is expected to be completed in 2011. According to the article:

Players will be encouraged to learn about the types of disasters that might occur in their geographic region or state. The most common disasters — earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, and tornadoes — will be used to teach preparedness steps and to help users know how to prepare and what to do during and after an emergency event.

The game will include a variety of different game genres, depending on the type of educational content to be conveyed. For example, time management and puzzle gameplay will be used to teach how a person prepares for a possible emergency, including determining escape routes and meeting places. Hidden object gameplay will be used to teach what items belong in an emergency supply kit, such as batteries, flashlight, and canned food. Simulation gameplay will be used to present quick-care tips such as applying pressure to control bleeding.

The players take the role of a “Disaster Hero” to help different families prepare for various disasters. Each disaster scenario provides a variety of game experiences and quizzes on what was learned. Points are earned throughout the experience and displayed on the Disaster Hero website. Downloadable learning activities and checklists targeted to teachers and parents also will be available on the website.

For more information, go to disasterhero.com. Thanks to the Red Cross’ Oregon Trail Chapter for bringing this to my attention.

A screenshot from “Disaster Hero”