Emergency preparedness class offered by police

LANSING (AP) -- Michigan law enforcement officials say elementary schools statewide can enroll in a program to prepare students for emergencies or disasters. Student Tools for Emergency Planning -- STEP for short -- is being offered by the Michigan State Police Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division. Officials say the federally funded program aims to teach fifth-graders potentially life-saving lessons about emergency preparedness. The program provides materials free to schools, including instructor guides, handouts and starter emergency supply kits for students. The basic lesson includes one hour of instruction and can be taught by teachers, school officials, first responders or volunteers. Last year, teachers from 47 schools participated in the program and taught about 3,700 students. State officials hope to educate about 5,000 students this year. Interested schools can email the Michigan State Police at EMHSD-CitizenCorps@michigan.gov by Nov. 1. Published: Mon, Oct 28, 2013