Wisconsin School for the Deaf - The Wisconsin Times Vol. 135 No. 4 Summer 2014 | Page 10

What IF?

Students taking the course Global and Minority Awareness had an interesting project. Team teachers, Mrs.
Michelle Mickle and Mr. James Tomasino discussed natural disasters that have occurred on each continent.
Most recently, they studied South America, which is known to have had both earthquakes and tsunamis.
Students watched videos and saw the terror and panic of the people. They talked about what survival means
and how to prepare for emergencies. They discussed what happens when families become separated.
In connection with this topic, students were divided into two families. Family member Mr. Tomasino was
missing and the members of each family had to locate him. Clues were posted to assist each family in locating
Mr. Tomasino. He had been seen talking to Principal, Mrs. Marla Walsh, so students went in search of her,
hoping she would lead them to Mr. Tomasino. A posted clue told the students that Mr. Tomasino had said he
was hungry and that he was going to search for food. Therefore, the clue led students to the cafeteria. Another
clue informed the students that Mr. Tomasino had complained about not feeling well. This clue led students
to the Health Center where another clue told students Mr. Tomasino had said he was going to attempt to build
a boat. Only one family team guessed that Mr. Tomasino would build his boat in Mrs. Mickles former Home
Improvement room in Robinson Hall. Tah Dah! Mr. Tomasino was found!
This activity led to an in depth discussion about emergency preparedness and what would be needed in an
Emergency Kit. FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) sent a teacher packet, which was used. A
plan of action was determined to be vital. It needed to include both the personal and work phone numbers of
parents. Keeping this list in a wallet or on your person would be a good idea. None of the students had Mr.
Tomasino’s phone number and no one thought to ask if Mrs. Mickle had it, but she did. This led to another
discussion about lost or broken phones.
All family members need to have a meeting place in the event of a fire or other disaster. Meeting outside by
the mailbox or at a neighbor’s house were the two most suggested options. Escape routes out of their homes
led the students to a discussion of why WSD has maps of the buildings inside each classroom. These sheets
include the departure routes in the event of a fire or a tornado.
This information is vital for every situation, school and home. Other questions discussed were: Does
your family know where to meet in an emergency? Does your family have a plan? Does your car have an
emergency kit? Does your home have an emergency kit? More information can be collected from the FEMA
website: www.fema.gov Have a SAFE summer.

2013-14 Summer - 10