Expect the Unexpected and Facing Fear: Emergency preparedness in schools

To prepare the population to act safely during unexpected events, the Canadian Red Cross has developed the preparedness program “Expect the Unexpected” to get ready for emergencies. This preparedness program is intended for students, their parents, teachers and Canadian Red Cross facilitators who may be called upon to contribute in class. The objective of this program is to allow the population to become more knowledgeable and acquire skills and attitudes to react efficiently in case of emergencies. Expect the Unexpected has been designed to teach young people aged 7 to 13 about the main types of natural disasters that could strike their area; how to better prepare for emergency situations; attitudes and behaviours to adopt during and after emergency situations; and evacuation procedures for school and home. This page includes a case study on the programme, notes and exercises to prepare for emergencies as well as the activity booklets and facilitator’s guides for classes with children aged 7 to 13. Published in 2004.