Project1 Rationale

‘Security-Kid’ Rationale

Evacuating for a bushfire is a traumatic experience for a child.

My concept aims to relieve a child’s confusion, anxiety, and worry- before and during bushfire evacuation. ­This concept is a kit designed for children (approximately 3-8years) that promotes bushfire education, provides psychological comfort and a practical assurance of safety. This product uses up-cycled wool materials to build the main section. With low-cost of manufacture, the kit is also accessible to low-income families.

Need for this product

Children living in a high-risk bushfire location are carrying a heavy weight: constantly waiting for evacuation. They are often worried about their homes and their parents. Children are often left out of a proper explanation of bushfires and therefore remain anxious even when there is no concern for safety.

“Children traumatized by the Black Saturday bushfires are experiencing a fresh wave of fear as predictions spread of another horror fire season, a child psychiatry expert says” (Michelle Draper, Herald Sun).

"What we are finding is that children are very much affected by their exposure to trauma, that many children will have concerns that they might die'' (Prof Newman, Herald Sun).

Product benefits

Education: The “Security-Kid” would be distributed to primary schools to promote bushfire education. Schoolteachers would dedicate one a day a year to bushfire awareness. During this day, children will become familiar with the use of the “Security-Kid” and learn methods of individual prevention of bushfires. The kit facilitates questions that children often have difficulty verbalizing. It serves as a barrier for a child to express feelings and in tern, relieves confusion.

Practical needs: The “Security-Kid” provides essential elements to ensure safety. Although most of the items will (most likely) never be used, they provide assurance of safety. A visual list of the contents is sketched on the back to make remembering items easier for both child and parent.

Items provided in the kit:

Smoke mask

Goggles

Whistle

Torch/light

Recommended personal items:

Snacks

Favorite toy

Psychological comfort: In addition to practical needs, the elements of the kit provide psychological comfort for a child evacuating their home in a bushfire. For a child, knowing they have everything they need to evacuate, eases anxiety during that stressful time.

“Security-Kid” is also a comfort object during stressful times and a safe- heaven for the child's favorite possessions. The “huggable” bag designates a home for a comfort object commonly carried among children. Prior to evacuation, children are familiarized with the “Security-Kid” which becomes a friendly household item that provides comfort when separated from familiar surroundings.

Materials explanation

“Security-Kid” is made completely out of fire-resistant materials. Up-cycled wool coats and blankets are used to make up the “Security-Kid” body. Even though it is unlikely that the “Security-Kid” will be exposed to embers, fire-safe materials help keep peace-of-mind and in tern reduce worry.