An interactive card game designed to prepare children for natural hazards faced by Scottish communities has been launched by the National Centre for Resilience (NCR).

‘Are You Prepared?’ aims to engage children in building their resilience, prepare them for potential challenges and help them understand how to stay safe through disruptive events. It draws on advice from responders and resilience experts.

Freya Skinner, of the NCR – which is based in the University of Glasgow’s School for Social and Environmental Sustainability – devised and created the game. She explains: “Our climate is rapidly changing, and in recent years we have seen an exponential increase in adverse events and natural hazards, globally and locally. Flooding, wildfire and water insecurity can all cause huge disruption to our communities, and children are amongst the most vulnerable to this. Yet they are also the generation who will need to further adapt their lifestyles in response. Based on work we have undertaken with adults, taking a visual and creative approach is incredibly effective, and we wanted to extend this to children.

“It is our hope that the game supports important conversations, encourages children to ask questions – and helps to build Scotland’s next generation of resilient global citizens.”

Justice and Home Affairs Secretary Angela Constance said: “Emergencies, like severe weather, can cause disruption at any time and it is important that people and communities across Scotland are able to prepare in a variety of ways for the risks we could face.

“This new learning resource will help young people understand how to prepare for various natural hazards that can affect us all, and the part that they can play in building Scotland’s resilience.”

Every card features a colourful illustration, hazard icons, and simple points of advice, making the learning process enjoyable and informative. Teachers, adults, and club leaders can use it as a tool for sparking important conversations within classrooms and communities.

‘Are You Prepared?’ was developed and trialled in close consultation with primary school children, families and the NCR Steering Group, which includes the Scottish Government, The Met Office, British Geological Survey, Scottish Flood Forum and others. Feedback has also been given by lecturers and students in Primary Education and Environmental Risk Management at the School of Social and Environmental Sustainability.

The game was trialled at the Glasgow Science Festival, with over 100 young children and families playing it. Feedback was overwhelming positive, with parents and children confirming that the game was easy to play, fun and educational. Two parents stated they learnt you can ‘call 105 when there’s a power cut’. Whilst children commented that: ‘I learnt what to put in my Go-bag’ and ‘I learnt how to deal with different hazards’.

NCR Chair, Professor Fabrice Renaud, said: "We are incredibly proud of Are You Prepared? and excited to see it launch nationwide. This project reflects our commitment to a collaborative approach, uniting communities, Third Sector, government, local authorities, schools, and emergency services. This kind of partnership is essential for creating impactful, resilient initiatives. Are You Prepared? supports our children to build the skills that they will need to handle disruptive events like floods and heavy snow, helping communities to be better prepared for, respond to and recover swiftly from natural hazards."

‘Are You Prepared?’ was launched at the University of Glasgow on 4 December, with pupils from Hillhead and ParkView Primary Schools invited to play it. Ross Greer MSP of the Scottish Green also attended.

This announcement was originally posted on the University news website.

First published: 11 December 2024

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