DISASTERS DON`T STAND A CHANCE: GAMIFYING PREPAREDNESS TOOLS FOR EXTENSION

Goals:Adapt an existing gamification tool to engage urban and rural families in preparedness activities to include pets, livestock, and Family and Consumer Sciences-related topicsDevelop training program for Extension educators to make gamified preparedness tools more accessible and engage a wider audience in their local programming;Identify gaps in existing disaster preparedness Extension materials and inform future curriculum improvement.Objectives:Develop a comprehensive and engaging train-the-trainer program for Extension agents across program areas and community managers, with interactive learning activities and practical exercises.Equip trainers with knowledge and skills to effectively facilitate urban and rural family disaster preparedness activities using gamification.Expand dissemination and reach of disaster preparedness tools to a diverse audience.Increase awareness and accessibility of existing curricula.Utilize data and user feedback to identify areas where existing materials lack clarity, accessibility, or effectiveness.Develop a sustainability plan to ensure the game's continued use and impact beyond the grant period.Track changes in disaster preparedness behaviors and knowledge retention with the target population.