Gamifying Preparedness: FEMA’s Disaster Mind Game and the Power of Play

Developed for Teens by Emergency Managers

Disaster Mind is an educational game that teaches high school students how to stay calm and make solid decisions during a disaster. When seconds count, what will you decide?
|Welcome to the disaster game that puts your choices to the test.

Play it HERE for Free and learn some valuable preparedness skills

When it comes to emergency preparedness, knowing what to do is only half the battle—putting that knowledge into action is what really counts. That’s why we love seeing innovative approaches like FEMA Region 8’s Disaster Mind Game, which turns preparedness education into an interactive challenge. By engaging players in real-world decision-making, FEMA is making disaster readiness more memorable and accessible.

At Shaky Grounds Cafe, we believe the best way to learn is through experience, which is why our mobile escape room immerses players in emergency scenarios that require quick thinking, teamwork, and practical skills. FEMA’s approach aligns perfectly with our mission: making preparedness engaging, educational, and even fun.

What Is Disaster Mind Game?

FEMA’s Disaster Mind Game is an educational tool designed to test and strengthen disaster preparedness knowledge. Players answer questions, solve problems, and navigate real-world emergency scenarios in a game-like format. The goal? To make preparedness an interactive experience rather than just another safety lecture.

FEMA emphasizes that the game is for individuals, families, and organizations looking to sharpen their readiness. This approach mirrors what we do at Shaky Grounds Cafe—transforming emergency preparedness from something passive into something active and hands-on.

Why Gamification Works

At Shaky Grounds Cafe, we’ve seen firsthand how turning preparedness into a game helps people retain critical skills. In our escape room, players have to locate emergency supplies, interpret disaster scenarios, and make decisions under pressure. It’s a safe space to practice real-world responses, so if the worst happens, they’re ready.

FEMA’s Disaster Mind Game taps into the same principle. When people experience a disaster scenario rather than just read about it, the lessons stick. Gamification also adds an element of competition and urgency, making it more engaging than traditional training methods.

How You Can Play

Right now, FEMA Region 8’s Disaster Mind Game is being used as an educational tool for individuals and communities. You can learn more about it here.

And if you want to take your preparedness training to the next level, Shaky Grounds Cafe offers a hands-on escape room experience that puts your survival skills to the test, in person!

The Future of Preparedness Training

FEMA’s Disaster Mind Game is a great example of how emergency preparedness is evolving. Traditional lectures and pamphlets are valuable, but immersive experiences—whether through board games, digital simulations, or escape rooms—are what truly drive home the importance of readiness.

We’re excited to see more organizations using gamification to teach life-saving skills, and we’d love to see how Disaster Mind Game compares to what we do at Shaky Grounds Cafe. Have you played it yet? Let us know your thoughts, or better yet—come test your skills in our escape room and see how prepared you really are!