L.E.E.D With Joy

Al the Bear and the L.E.E.D. With Joy The K.A.P.S. Disaster Hub team headed over to Alief ISD for a special event: teaching students and their families how to prepare for disasters in a fun, hands-on way. Our goal? To make disaster preparedness less overwhelming and even—dare we say—fun!

Al the Bear, our disaster-preparedness mascot, helped break down basic safety steps for families to take before, during, and after a disaster. In a session tailored for younger kids, Al the Bear led the group through “The Big Three” of readiness: having a plan, packing an emergency kit, and knowing where to go in an evacuation. Kids watched Al demonstrate everything from how to make a simple “go bag” with snacks and water to learning about safe meeting spots. Afterward, the kids created their own mini-go bags, personalizing them with a few essentials and a comforting item like a favorite toy or book—an important step for helping children feel secure in a crisis.

While Al the Bear engaged the kids, the L.E.E.D. With Joy team worked with parents on the bigger picture. We talked about assembling family emergency kits, understanding evacuation routes, and the importance of staying informed through alerts and warnings. Parents appreciated the practical tips on how to talk to kids about disaster safety without causing fear.

Seeing families learning together, empowered to keep each other safe, reminds us why we do what we do. Events like these are more than just lessons; they’re investments in our communities’ resilience. Thank you, Alief ISD, for allowing us to partner with your families in building a safer future!