When Michele Fortenberry first began teaching children about emergency preparedness in the late 1990s, she didn’t envision it would someday lead to a nonprofit serving hundreds of kids in the Houston area. But as the founder of Kid Prep, she now stands at the helm of a movement that’s empowering young learners to face life’s biggest uncertainties with confidence—and a custom-packed backpack.
The roots of Kid Prep trace back to Fort Lewis, Washington, where Fortenberry, an early childhood educator and military spouse, ran a family child care center. Living near the Juan de Fuca fault line, an area prone to earthquakes, made disaster planning a personal priority, and she brought that mindset into her classroom, including field trips to the local Red Cross and conducting hands-on activities designed to build practical skills.
“Preparedness wasn’t just an idea—it was a responsibility,” she recalled. “We created Evac Packs, tested supplies based on Red Cross recommendations, and taught children how to be ready for an evacuation. It became second nature to them, and they took real ownership of it.”
That ownership proved invaluable on July 3, 1999, when the 5.2-magnitude Satsop Earthquake rattled the region. While the children were at home with their families, the lessons they’d learned kicked in. “I received calls from parents amazed at how calm and confident their children were,” Fortenberry said. “They were leading their families through the emergency plan.”
Years later, after the 6.8 Nisqually Earthquake on February 28, 2001 and Hurricane Rita on September 24, 2005, Fortenberry revisited her mission with fresh eyes. In 2020, she launched Emu Blues, a children’s book about disaster preparedness. The initiative began with book sales benefiting hurricane recovery—but by 2023, the focus had shifted from response to readiness. The Book and a Bag campaign was born, pairing Evac Packs with educational materials and distributing them to 700 students across three schools. “It was at that moment I realized the need in the greater Houston area was far beyond what I could manage alone,” she said. “Kid Prep was born.”
Unlike many disaster-relief organizations, Kid Prep takes a proactive approach. The nonprofit specializes in engaging, interactive programs for children ages 3 to 12, using puppet shows, storytelling, and hands-on learning to teach preparedness in a way that’s fun and age-appropriate. “We offer a program, not just a training,” Fortenberry explained. “Our goal is to ensure every child receives an Evac Pack and an educational book to reinforce learning. These books give children a safe and accessible way to explore difficult topics—like hurricanes or earthquakes—before they experience them in real life.”
The impact is already visible. Through Kid Prep’s efforts, hundreds of children now carry their own Evac Packs, complete with practical items they know how to use. According to Fortenberry, that knowledge builds resilience, not fear.
“Less fear and more confidence equals resilient kids,” she said. “Children are natural-born learners, and watching them apply what they’ve learned and share it with others is immeasurable.”
Looking ahead, Fortenberry’s goal is to provide 1,000 children with a book and a bag by the end of 2025. To reach that milestone, Kid Prep is rolling out a series of programs and events, including a summer camp, a children’s event, and several preparedness fairs in the fall. Each initiative is designed to make disaster readiness accessible, empowering, and even enjoyable.
“Our book for Houston, Emu Blues, introduces young readers to preparedness in a way that’s engaging and relatable,” she said. “It’s about turning uncertainty into understanding—and giving kids tools they can hold onto.”
And those tools go far beyond flashlights and snacks. Through Kid Prep’s unique blend of storytelling, play, and practical instruction, children are learning how to stay calm under pressure, support their families, and build confidence in moments that matter most. “As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, our mission is to reach as many children as possible—especially during hurricane season,” Fortenberry emphasized. “Every child deserves the knowledge and resources to face emergencies with confidence.”
Community support is essential to making that happen. Whether it’s sponsoring a single child or an entire classroom, Fortenberry believes that anyone can help build a culture of preparedness—one that starts young, sticks for life, and could ultimately save lives. “You can help make a difference,” Fortenberry added. “Consider sponsoring an event, a classroom, or even just one child to ensure they receive the tools they need to be ready. No gift is too small or too big. Every contribution brings us closer to a future where preparedness saves lives.”
Through Kid Prep’s efforts, hundreds of children now carry their own Evac Packs, complete with practical items they know how to use. According to Fortenberry, that knowledge builds resilience, not fear.