Basic Preparedness

This guide provides practical strategies for engaging children as active participants in disaster risk reduction. It frames children not merely as vulnerable groups but as agents capable of contributing ideas, identifying risks, and supporting community preparedness. Through participatory methods, case studies, and hands-on activities, the guide demonstrates how children can be meaningfully involved in planning, prevention, and resilience-building at the community level.

This manual presents the results of the work carried out within the CUIDAR project (Horizon 2020), focused on promoting a disaster resilience culture that actively includes children and adolescents. The manual documents activities conducted in Italy, Spain, Portugal, Greece, and the United Kingdom, showing how young people are not only vulnerable subjects but can also become key actors in disaster prevention, preparedness, and response.

This handbook is a practical tool designed to help educators in Malta teach children and adolescents about disaster preparedness—especially earthquakes—through engaging, inclusive, and age-appropriate activities. Based on the Feel Safe methodology developed by Save the Children Italy, it offers a structured learning pathway (Explore–Experience–Participate), ready-to-use exercises, and guidance on addressing both the technical and emotional dimensions of emergencies.

Community-based strategies to reduce wildfire risk