Ready Wisconsin Offers Step Program

Emergencies can strike at any moment, often without warning. While adults are typically the ones expected to manage these situations, it is just as crucial for children and teens to be prepared. That is where the Student Tools for Emergency Planning, or STEP, program comes in. Designed for fourth and fifth grade students, STEP equips youth with knowledge and skills to handle common emergencies they might face in their communities.

The STEP program provides schools and other educational settings with a curriculum created by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The lessons taught through the STEP program cover topics such as identifying hazards in their area, what to do during an emergency, and how students can create an emergency plan and kit with members of their household.

This year, nearly 4,500 fourth and fifth grade students in 85 classrooms and other educational settings are registered to participate in STEP. Since launching in 2011, it is estimated more than 107,000 students across the state have participated in the program.

Wisconsin Emergency Management’s STEP program provides schools with free materials, such as a backpack and flashlight, to help students build their own emergency kits. STEP is supported this year in part by a $10,000 grant from TC Energy, through its “Build Strong” social impact program. Wisconsin educators interested in offering the STEP program to their fourth and fifth grade students can find more information at readywisconsin.wi.gov/step.