Master of Disaster lesson planning

The Master of Disaster program features three lessons. Our Teaching Guide (PDF, 1.22MB) includes simple instructions for each of these lessons, including preparation and teaching suggestions. The guide also explains how the program aligns with the B.C. curriculum.

Lesson 1: Know your hazards

 
This lesson introduces key terms, like hazard, emergency and disaster. It also covers the The top 10 hazards in B.C. and introduces Indigenous oral traditions about some natural hazards. The lesson concludes with an invitation for learners to identify the unique hazards and important risks in their area.
 
Before teaching this lesson, notify caregivers by downloading, editing and sending home the Letter Home 1: Program Notice (DOC).

Lesson 2: Gather your supplies

This lesson introduces two key concepts: home emergency kits and grab-and-go bags. Home emergency kits are used at home during emergencies that may require sheltering at home. Grab-and-go bags are used during emergencies that may require evacuation. Learners are introduced to the main items required for both and are invited to list the items they would include when building their own at home. 

This lesson concludes with a group activity: the grab-and-go game. Learners are given a set of 12 double-sided cards, each containing two possible items to include in their grab-and-go bag. Learners choose between the sets of items, and the correct items are mounted on a poster to create an informational diagram. See below for a list of correct items:

 

Grab-and-Go Game Answer Key

  • A: Food & Water
  • B: Blanket
  • C: Flashlight
  • D: First-Aid Kit
  • E: Toothbrush & Toothpaste
  • F: Pen & Paper (and copies of important documents)
  • G: Money (in small bills)
  • H: Local Map
  • I: Seasonal Clothing
  • J: Whistle
  • K: Charging Cords (for electronics)
  • L: Photos of Important People

 

Lesson 3: Make your plan

This lesson prepares students to create a home emergency plan with the adults they live with. Learners explore the importance of selecting emergency meeting places and emergency contacts. They are also invited to consider which sources of information are reliable during an emergency. Learners are provided with a fill-in-the-blanks home emergency plan. 

After teaching this lesson, download, edit and send students home with the Letter Home 2: Emergency Plan Introduction (DOC). 

Additional resources

In addition to the resources included in the Master of Disaster program printed materials, consider the following activities to enhance your lesson:

Certificates of completion

Students can celebrate the completion of all three lessons in the Master of Disaster program with a certificate of completion (PDF, 1.58 MB).

Ember the FireSmart fox

Meet Ember, FireSmart's official mascot. She can educate learners on: alertness, adaptability, intelligence and community mindedness. Check out Ember's den for information and resources on how to help teach learners about preventing wildfires by becoming fire smart.

Map of top hazards by region

To learn about the hazards that could occur where you live, and in other areas across the province, visit the British Columbia hazard map.

Contact us

If you have questions about the Master of Disaster program, contact us at masterofdisaster@gov.bc.ca.