Welcome to STEP!
Whether it is a multiple day blizzard, large hurricane, or simply getting caught outside in a lightning storm, it is important to know what to do in emergencies and disaster situations. For children, having even a little bit of knowledge at the least can significantly decrease levels of anxiety and at the most can save their lives.
The Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency (RIEMA) proudly presents the website featuring the Student Tools for Emergency Planning (STEP) program that teaches 4th and 5th grade students what to do in emergency scenarios and empowers them to implement life-saving preparedness initiatives in their homes. STEP, sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in partnership with your state emergency management office, results in students learning how to assemble emergency kits and form communication plans in their homes.
STEP IN New England and Beyond
The result of a collaboration with teachers from North Providence, Rhode Island, STEP was piloted in the 2008-2009 school year in schools in New England, training approximately 4,400 students.
Learn how it all began >
In 2010, student participation rose to just under 20,000 students representing over 300 schools across New England. More than 3,000 instructors, including classroom teachers, guidance counselors, physical education teachers, police officers, fire chiefs, CERT volunteers, and college students delivered STEP's Instructional Materials >
This year, STEP also expanded outside of New England. STEP in FEMA Region II and Fema Region V took on the program and are in the process of training 3,000 students each in the states of New York, New Jersey, and Wisconsin.
STEP was initially tested with a focus group of 4th grade teachers in North Providence, Rhode Island. In the 2008-2009 school year, STEP reached approximately 1,500 students in the state of Rhode Island, including boy and girl scouts. Recipients of the 2009 STEP recognition Award were the extraordinary teachers of Marieville Elementary School in North Providence.
Send us Your Story
We would love to hear your stories about the STEP learning or teaching experience or disaster preparations plans. If you have a kit, are prepared, and stay informed, please feel free to share your stories with us.
TIPS AND PRACTICES
You already practice your emergency plans for your school such as fire drills and evacuations — now you can extend safety procedures and preparation to the homes of your students and their families.
- STEP is FREE!
- STEP only requires a minimum of one hour of classroom time.
- Students enjoy taking on significant leadership in their families by responding to disasters appropriately.
- STEP materials were created by teachers and are aligned with State and National standards at the 4th and 5th grade level.
- Teaches children the importance of preparing before and after emergencies and disasters.
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View STEP Program Flyer Download PDF >  |
| For lessons and Handouts visit the Instructional Materials section. |
“When we had an ice storm here, our power was out for 2 weeks. But when it first happened, I wasn't that afraid like I was before. I was just focused on what to do.”
