New game transforms ordinary folks into disaster preparedness superheroes

 

Image taken from disasterhero.com

Move over, Batman.

 

The tasks of today's superhero go beyond fighting crime while donning skin-tight outfits. For instance, the new online game "Disaster Hero" pits players against a series of natural disaster "opponents" (can you guess which disaster Dr. Deluge represents?) as they become well versed in preparing for these threats. For example, as the game advances, you're instructed to answer a series of questions related to emergency preparation.

I recently took a quick break from my writing gig at NFPA Journal (psst, don't tell my editor) to play the game, which was launched by the American College of Emergency Physicians. While fighting Tempest, the "Hurricane Hero," I was instructed to correctly answer "What should you do during a hurricane?" Combing through a series of multiple choice questions, I found the correct response: stay in a safe room and listen to the radio. Answer enough questions correctly, and you're deemed a disaster hero. My new costume is on its way.

Give the game a spin when you get a moment, and don't forget to review NFPA's information on emergency preparedness.