In an era of increasing natural and human-made disasters, equipping young people with emergency preparedness skills is more critical than ever. This presentation will showcase how integrating CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) training into the high school curriculum at Woodinville High School has fostered a culture of preparedness and resilience among students. Attendees will learn how CERT principles have been adapted to engage youth through hands-on activities, teamwork challenges, and peer-led projects. The session will cover curriculum design, classroom strategies, and collaboration with local emergency services. By the end, participants will gain insights on how to inspire the next generation of emergency responders and extend preparedness into their communities.

What Will the Audience Learn:

Attendees will leave this session with practical strategies for integrating CERT training into school curricula and engaging young people in emergency preparedness. Key takeaways will include effective teaching methods, examples of classroom activities, and tips for fostering partnerships with local emergency response agencies. Participants will also gain access to sample lesson plans and resources to help implement youth-focused CERT programs in their own communities, empowering students to take an active role in enhancing community resilience.

Course Level: Intermediate

About the Presenters

Danna Kapacinskas is a dedicated educator and CERT instructor at Woodinville High School in Washington State. With extensive experience in teaching emergency preparedness to high school students, Danna has developed innovative methods to engage youth in community resilience efforts. Her approach emphasizes practical, hands-on learning and teamwork, ensuring students gain confidence in their ability to respond to emergencies. In addition to teaching, Danna is passionate about fostering partnerships between schools and local emergency services. She has previously presented on educational strategies for youth preparedness and is eager to share her expertise with a broader audience.