A group of students and faculty from the Arkansas Tech University emergency management and homeland security program are the winners of the 2024 Arkansas Youth Community Preparedness Award.
The award was presented at the Arkansas Emergency Management Association Conference on Thursday, Aug. 29, at the Hot Springs Convention Center.
ATU students and faculty earned the recognition based upon their planning and implementation of The Disaster Games, a series of interactive stations designed to enhance disaster preparedness and community resilience.
Participants in The Disaster Games on the ATU campus in Russellville and at Arkansas Tech Career Center on the Russellville High School campus had the opportunity to experience in a fire turnout relay course, hazardous materials suit beanbag toss, Rescue Randy simulated patient lift, shelter set-up cot race and worst-case scenario game.
In all, more than 130 college and high school students participated in The Disaster Games.
“Through interactive activities and educational initiatives, we not only equipped participants with essential disaster preparedness skills, but also fostered a sense of collective responsibility for community safety,” said Dr. Bethany Swindell, ATU assistant professor of emergency management and homeland security. “We were able to capture the attention of participants and facilitate meaningful discussions about emergency planning and response strategies. By empowering individuals with the knowledge and skills to prepare for and respond to disasters, we contributed to building a more resilient community capable of facing various challenges.”
Learn more about the ATU emergency management and homeland security program at www.atu.edu/emhs.
