Two Idaho students are proving that leadership in emergency preparedness can start early. As members of FEMA Region 10’s Youth Preparedness Council (YPC), Paige from Boise and Allison from Meridian have spent the past year leading hands-on projects that help build a stronger and more prepared Idaho.

Paige, a high school senior, wrapped up her time on the council with a project aimed at one of Boise’s most underserved communities. She led hands-only CPR training at the Interfaith Sanctuary, the city’s largest homeless shelter. With support from the Idaho Office of Emergency Management (IOEM) and Central District Health (CDH), Paige coordinated two training sessions that reached 20 participants, ranging from children to seniors. Despite some unexpected challenges, she and her team adapted on the spot to make sure everyone left feeling confident in their new skills.

Throughout the year Paige also organized a coin drive to support wildfire recovery, created pet preparedness flyers, participated in Disaster Preparedness Day, and shared earthquake safety tips during a STEM night at a local elementary school.

Meanwhile, in Meridian, high school sophomore Allison took an artistic route. She wrote and illustrated an original picture book, The Adventures of Polly the Porcupine, to teach kids ages 5 to 8 how to “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” during an earthquake. The story follows Polly, a shy porcupine who finds courage through learning how to stay safe. Allison plans to distribute the book to more than 20 schools before the next school year and hopes to reach even more families through libraries, hospitals, and community story times.

Beyond the book, Allison has created hazard guides for her classmates, helped evaluate her school’s earthquake drill, and even put her training to use during a real power outage on Christmas Eve.

Paige and Allison recently presented their accomplishments at a Youth Preparedness Council Project Outcomes event alongside other FEMA Region 10 representatives. IOEM Planning Section Chief Maija Reed attended and was impressed by the creativity and attention to detail each YPC member brought to their projects.

“It’s exciting to see these young leaders stepping up and making a real difference,” said Reed. “Their passion and creativity are exactly what we need in emergency preparedness!”

YPC brings together teens from across the country who are passionate about community preparedness. Members are selected for their commitment to public service and leadership potential. During their one-year term, they collaborate virtually to develop projects that promote preparedness locally and nationally, while connecting with leaders from FEMA, federal agencies, and national nonprofits to grow their skills and impact.