FEMA’s Youth Preparedness Council Meeting Addresses Disasters

Members of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Youth Preparedness Council are gathering for their inaugural meeting this week in Washington, D.C., to discuss steps to strengthen the nation’s resiliency against all types of disasters.

The Council members are meeting with FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate and participating in roundtable discussions and plenary sessions during their two-day visit to the nation’s capital. They also will develop an annual work plan to address youth preparedness during national disasters, as well as meet with other federal and private sector partners committed to supporting their work.

“This has been an opportunity for members of the Youth Preparedness Council to share their ideas, experiences, solutions and questions on youth disaster preparedness with FEMA, other federal agencies and national organizations,” said FEMA Administrator Fugate. “Engaging youth is critical to including the whole community in national preparedness. The Youth Preparedness Council is contributing to set a national agenda for how young people play a role in emergency management.”

The Youth Preparedness Council is comprised of 13 members (13-17 years of age) from across FEMA’s 10 regions. They are all dedicated to public service; are making a difference in their community; and are expanding their impact as a national advocate for youth preparedness.

The members from FEMA Region 6 are Dorian Tre’Vaughn Gregory from Breaux Bridge, La., and Jonathan DeLong from Austin, Texas.

Council members are eligible to serve for two years.