The American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) has launched "Disaster Hero," a game designed to teach families how to prepare for all types of hazards or emergencies. The game was developed as part of a grant administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security/Federal Emergency Management Agency.

In the game, the player takes the role of a Disaster Hero contestant in a high-tech game show, competing against a computer opponent to prove his or her disaster knowledge and preparedness skills.

 

"Preparing your family in advance is the best protection in an emergency," said Andy Sama, M.D., president of ACEP. "This game is a unique and entertaining approach to teachings families to have an active role in home disaster planning."

 

The dashing Dante Shields is the original Disaster Hero, founder of the Disaster Arena that recruits the best prospects to lead the next generation of the Disaster Hero Squad. Points, trophies and achievements are earned throughout the experience and displayed on the Disaster Hero website, along with additional downloadable learning activities targeted to teachers and parents.

The web-based game is geared to multiple audiences, including children, teens, parents, caregivers and teachers to focus on what to do before, during and after a disaster. The game and the associated website emphasize having an emergency plan, getting an emergency kit and being informed. Players are encouraged to learn about the types of disasters that can occur in their geographic region or state. The most common natural disasters -- earthquakes, floods, hurricanes and tornadoes -- are used to teach preparedness steps and to help users know how to prepare and what to do during and after an event.

The game includes a variety of different genres tailored to the specific type of educational content to be conveyed. For example, arcade and puzzle games are used to teach how to prepare for a possible natural disaster and how to stay safe afterwards, such as determining escape routes and meeting places, avoiding common hazards or shutting off utilities. Hidden object games are used to teach what items belong in an emergency supply kit, such as batteries, flashlights and canned food. Along the way, players will be quizzed on the information presented through the game.

For more information, go to www.disasterhero.com.