Palm Springs training kids in disaster preparedness

The city of Palm Springs wants its residents to be ready for when disaster strikes.

With extreme heat, fires, floods and earthquakes as just some of the hazards valley residents face, Palm Springs Emergency Management Coordinator Daniel DeSelms said it's crucial to have supplies on hand.

"Emergency services are overwhelmed in any emergency," he said. "Being able to take care of yourself and your neighborhood relieves some of the stress off of police and fire."

At a training session at the Palm Springs Public Library Thursday, a group of young kids keyed in on one of the crucial components of disaster planning: what to eat.

DeSelms recommends people have two weeks or even a month's worth of emergency food.

From dehydrated fruit to instant mac and cheese, the kids got a taste of survival – freeze dried ice cream for desert included.

"I loved it. It tasted really good and for how long it lasts, it was absolutely just like ice cream," said Aden Butler.

Shelf life is another important factor, DeSelms said. Some of the food he presented can stay good from 5 years up to 30.

DeSelms said it's his goal to plant the seeds young that kids and their families must be prepared. "It gets their brain thinking that preparedness doesn't have to be hard, and it can last a lifetime," he said.

"This food is good," Butler said. "So if an emergency occurs, then I'll be ready for it."

Click here for more from the Palm Springs Emergency Management team.