St. Joseph County Emergency Services Director Erin Goff recently had the opportunity to reinforce a message of safety and preparedness, as she addressed more than 60 fifth-grade students at Centreville Elementary School.
During the hour-long presentation Monday, Goff shared with students the importance of being aware of potential weather dangers, being prepared if such conditions materialize and having a plan for dealing with the aftermath of a weather emergency.
She provided sound advice in response to a variety of conditions, including tornadoes, flooding, and snow and ice storms.
Goff’s presentation was a part of Student Tools for Emergency Planning, developed by FEMA and sponsored by Michigan State Police. STEP is geared toward fifth-grade students and Goff’s informative appearance is done at no charge.
Goff, an eight-year county employee who has served in her current capacity for the sheriff’s department the past three years, said she hopes STEP lessons leave a lasting impact on students.