MEMA Disaster Characters Surprise Students

Some Gulfport elementary students got an unexpected visit today as storybook characters from the “MEMA 4 Kids” book came to life. It wasn’t all fun and games. In fact, these characters and the book are being used to help teach kids what to do in times of disaster.
Students at Harrison Central Elementary School got a special visit today. Second grader Marleigh Lemaire said, “It really surprised me. I didn’t know that they were going to pop out.”
As characters from their disaster preparedness book came to life during a special reading by MEMA officials, driving home important information that could save their lives in the case of a real life disaster. Third grader Christopher Austin said, “First you need to have a hurricane evacuation plan in place. Where are you going to go and how you are going to get to your destination?”
Second grader Ricky Walgren said, “I learned that in hurricanes you need to take cover.”
The characters include Delta the Disaster Dog, Jake the Mitigation Wizard and Pearl the Preparedness Pup. What really warmed hearts today was the moment shared between Delta the Disaster Dog and one particular child. Second grader Daniel Harris is blind, but it was clear to see when they shared a heartfelt hug that the furry critter’s visit was worth it. Harrison County Emergency Management Director Rupert Lacy said, “Getting the message to them and them actually touching, feeling and seeing it, drives the message home.”
“The biggest reason I liked this presentation was because it really informed everybody the many different ways you need to be prepared for any disaster,” said Christopher Austin.