Pat Dollard | Young Americans

September 19, 2008

New DVD Created To Teach Kids 3-5 How To Prepare For Terror Attacks, Hurricanes, Other Catastrophes

NEW YORK (CBS) ― It may seem like an unlikely pairing, but the fun-loving furry Muppets on Sesame Street are partnering with the Department of Homeland Security to teach kids as young as 3-years-old how to proceed should a terrorist attack, hurricane, or other potential catastrophe occur.

For the times it’s not a sunny day in the neighborhood, Sesame Street wants its pupils prepared, reports CBS station WCBS-TV in New York City.

“An emergency is something that happens that you do not expect,” warns a helmet-wearing Grover at the beginning of a new DVD and information package aimed at young children. Officials hope children will learn how to respond should a major event occur.

“This way they’re aware something unexpected can happen and there’s ways to prepare for it,” says Jeanette Betancourt, the Education Director of Sesame Workshop.

The terrorist attacks of 9/11 stressed the need for a child’s psychological protection, while family separation during Hurricane Katrina taught the need to know names other than mommy and daddy.

On the DVD, the familiar and friendly faces of the Muppets sing about first names, last names, emergency kits, the neighborhood’s helpers, and – with Grover as the intrepid reporter – what to know in case of an emergency.

Helping with the kid-friendly message were experts with Weill Cornell Medical College’s pediatrics department.

“They can memorize their own address and phone number so someone knows how to get a hold of them and then we focused on parents and saying what they can do,” says Dr. Mary Jo Ward, a Developmental Psychologist at the college.

The push came from what kids didn’t know. Developers of the package say almost 2 out of 3 families don’t have an emergency plan everyone is aware of.

Parents are happy to add this to their collection.

“I guess if you can watch it on a DVD they might pay more attention,” says parent Julie Koontz.

Adds Jennifer Friedman, another parent who agrees with Koontz: “It’s something the parents can use to stimulate conversation.”

A conversation helped by characters that children trust.

“It’s made from the child’s point of view, it’s fun. It’s not only not threatening, but it’s also a way to enjoy it over and over and over,” says Betancourt.