Beyond emergency kits and evacuation plans, preparedness can help youth build confidence, problem-solving abilities, and a stronger connection to their communities. 

Youth Belong at the Preparedness Table

Young people experience emergencies just like everyone else. Across Texas, floods, hurricanes, wildfires, extreme heat, and winter storms can disrupt daily life and create lasting challenges. For the Texas Youth Action Network (TYAN) Community Partners (CPs) and other youth development organizations, preparedness offers an opportunity for youth to develop leadership, communication, and critical thinking skills while contributing to community well-being.

Youth-led projects such as mapping local emergency resources, creating family communication plans, identifying community needs, or developing preparedness awareness campaigns help young people practice civic engagement and see themselves as community contributors. 

Helpful Texas-based resources: 

• My Preparedness Initiative (MyPI Texas) combines emergency preparedness education with youth leadership development. 

• The Texas Youth Preparedness Camp Toolkit offers a youth-led, adult-assisted approach to building Community Emergency Response Team skills. 

• The Texas Division of Emergency Management and Texas Ready provide online planning tools, checklists, and hazard-specific guidance for Texas families and organizations. 

Lead the Way: Facilitate Preparedness Mapping 

A Preparedness Mapping Project places youth in leadership roles while helping them learn about local emergency resources. 

Activity Steps 

Step 1: Start by asking youth to think about the following questions. They probably won’t have all the answers, but it will get the conversation going 

• Where would families in our community go during a wildfire, flood, or winter storm? 

• Where can people find cooling centers during extreme heat? 

• Which organizations provide emergency assistance? 

Step 2: Break into small teams and have youth research and identify local resources on their devices. 

• Emergency shelters. 

• Cooling and warming centers. 

• Hospitals and urgent care facilities. 

• Food banks and supply distribution sites. 

• Community centers. 

Have them share what they find by marking them on a map. Information can also be gathered from Texas Ready, local emergency management agencies, and community partners. 

Step 3: Analyze community needs using critical-thinking skills and discuss: 

• Are resources accessible to everyone? 

• Which neighborhoods might face barriers? 

• What gaps exist in available services? 

Brainstorm strategies you and your youth can do to close these gaps. 

Step 4: Youth can present their maps through a digital presentation during a community meeting, or preparedness event. Sharing results strengthens communication skills while reinforcing preparedness awareness. 

Community Partner Spotlight: Crip to Christ Ministries 

Crip to Christ Ministries demonstrates what it means to act as “the hands and feet of Christ” among Texas’ justice-involved youth as well as the value of creating opportunities for youth community engagement through faith-based outreach, mentoring, and educational programming.  

From speaking opportunities at youth camps and schools to developing curricula and resources for youth, the organization focuses on helping young people build positive connections and life skills. Their work highlights how trusted adults can support growth, leadership, and resilience by creating meaningful opportunities for youth participation within their communities. 

Preparedness is about more than emergency response. When youth are engaged as partners in preparedness efforts, they gain practical leadership experience while helping build safer, stronger, and more resilient communities.