Master of Disaster teaching kit
Last updated on February 20, 2024The 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
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 (PDF), 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 (PDF) 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
Each Student Kit includes a Master of Disaster drawstring bag. It can be given to students at the end of the Gather Your Supplies lesson. Students can use the bag to start personal grab-&-go bags.
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.