June 2, 2014 FEMA’s New Youth Preparedness Council Includes a Texan

Release date: 

JUNE 2, 2014

Release Number: 

R6-14-030

FEMA’s New Youth Preparedness Council Includes a Texan

DENTON, Texas – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has announced the members of the 2014-2015 Youth Preparedness Council, which includes the Region 6 member from Texas, Obie Jones.

Jones is 16-years-old and is from the Austin area. He started a Teen Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program at his school. He’s also an Eagle Scout, a member of the Austin Police Department Explorer program and supported recent flooding response efforts in Austin by helping rescue and shelter affected animals.

FEMA’s Youth Preparedness Council was formed in 2012 to bring together youth leaders from across the country who are interested in advocating on behalf of youth preparedness and making a difference in their communities. The Council furthers FEMA’s commitment to involve youth in preparedness-related activities. It also provides an avenue to get their perspectives, feedback and opinions.

The 2014 application process produced a large number of highly-qualified applicants. The 12 newest members of the Council were chosen based on their dedication to public service, community involvement and potential to expand their effectiveness as national advocates for youth preparedness.

The other members selected in 2014 include:

• FEMA Region 1: Bridget Smith (Connecticut)
• FEMA Region 2: James Collins (New Jersey)
• FEMA Region 3: Sahara Duncan (Pennsylvania)
• FEMA Region 4: Jonathan Salazar (Florida)
• FEMA Region 5: Isaiah Garcia (Michigan)
• FEMA Region 7: Austin Witt (Iowa)
• FEMA Region 8: Weston Lee (Utah)
• FEMA Region 8: Matthew Mayfield (Colorado)
• FEMA Region 9: Brittany Amano (Hawaii)
• FEMA Region 9: Navjot Hansra (California)
• FEMA Region 10: Raylene Ensminger (Washington)

The returning Council members are:

• Council Chairperson: Emily Rosenblum (Missouri)
• FEMA Region 2:  Sophie Friedfeld-Gebaide (New York)
• FEMA Region 5:  Daniel Wernsman (Wisconsin)

Each Council member completes a self-selected legacy project during his or her term.  Council members also participate in a Youth Preparedness Council Summit where they share their ideas, opinions and questions about youth disaster preparedness with the leadership of national organizations working on this critical priority.  Members also meet with FEMA throughout their term to provide input on strategies, initiatives and projects.

To learn more about FEMA’s youth preparedness efforts, please visit: www.ready.gov/youth-preparedness-council.

www.fema.gov