Disasters Don't Stand A Chance: Gamifying Preparedness Tools for Extension

PROJECT SUMMARY Title: Disasters Don''t Stand a Chance: Gamifying Preparedness Tools for Extension PD: Higdon, Andrea L. Institution: University of Kentucky CO-PD: Morgan, Melissa C. Institution: University of Kentucky CO-PD: Wulster-Radcliff, Meghan Institution: University of Kentucky CO-PD: Huff, Nichole Institution: University of Kentucky CO-PD: Price, Kendriana Institution: University of Kentucky CO-PD: Williams, Kandice J. Institution: University of Kentucky The project goals are threefold: 1. Adapt an existing gamification tool (LADDER: Local Approach to Discussion-Based Disaster Exercises and Readiness) to engage urban and rural families in preparedness activities to include pets and livestock and Family and Consumer Science-related topics (In The Face of Disasters); 2. Develop training program for Extension educators to make gamified preparedness tools more accessible and engage a wider audience in their local programming; 3. Identify gaps in existing disaster preparedness Extension materials and inform future curriculum improvement. Few resources exist to facilitate exercises that test local disaster response to animal issues. The program materials use behavioral and social sciences to offer Extension educators, families, and other stakeholders a low-cost, virtual, game-based activity and gap analysis tool and training program to increase community resilience. Objectives of the program are: 1. Develop a comprehensive and engaging train-the-trainer program for Extension agents across program areas and community managers, with interactive learning activities and practical exercises. 2. Equip trainers with knowledge and skills to effectively facilitate urban and rural family disaster preparedness activities using gamification. 3. Expand dissemination and reach of disaster preparedness tools to a diverse audience. 4. Increase awareness and accessibility of existing curricula. 5. Utilize data and user feedback to identify areas where existing materials lack clarity, accessibility, or effectiveness. 6. Develop a sustainability plan to ensure the game’s continued use and impact beyond the grant period. 7. Track changes in disaster preparedness behaviors and knowledge retention with the target population. Program materials will be pilot tested in locations reflective of diverse communities across the nation. Revisions will be made utilizing pilot-testing feedback. Upon conclusion of the project, the project team will engage Extension professionals through a network of existing organizations to facilitate local preparedness needs. Funding Amount Requested: Year 1: $43,118; Year 2: $54,520; Total $97,638 Proposal Type: New Submission Project Type: Standard