FEMA Funds Upcoming Emergency Preparation Game Disaster Hero

The American College of Emergency Physicians announced that it has partnered with developer Legacy Interactive (The Lost Cases of Sherlock Holmes) to create the emergency response web game Disaster Hero, with funding provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The game will teach children and families how to prepare for natural disasters and catastrophic events. Gameplay will focus on proper response procedure before, during, and after a disaster. Disaster Hero and its website will instruct in the assembly of a family emergency kit and emphasize the importance of learning and practicing response procedures prior to a natural disaster. "This project to develop an educational program for children using a game platform will be a unique approach to teaching kids to have an active role in home disaster planning," said Dr. Angela Gardner, President of the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP). "ACEP is pleased to partner with many other stakeholders representing teachers, schools, daycare centers and youth organizations in the development of this program." Disaster Hero aims to encourage player involvement with a variety of casual-oriented genres, including time management, hidden object, and puzzle gameplay. The game will launch in 2011.