More than 500 students from Kordyak Elementary School in Fontana recently learned some timely lessons on how they can help their families plan for a disaster or emergency during livestreams of “Ready or Not: Preparing for Wildfire,” a new play sponsored by Edison International.

By watching the play, Diocelina Van Belle, assistant principal of Kordyak Elementary School, hopes the kids learn the importance of preparedness, especially in the case of wildfires.

“My expectation of them watching this play is to make sure they’re prepared and that they’re not scared,” said Van Belle. “That they make sure their parents are aware and that they create a plan so that there’s no panic.”

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, “Ready or Not,” which would have been presented live and in person by The National Theatre for Children, was instead viewed online through the theatre’s newly created livestreaming platform.

“The biggest challenge was not being able to be in a school building,” said Eddie Eames, chief marketing officer at The National Theatre for Children. “We had to come up with this brand new concept on how we can still be live and do a program for these students in real time.”

So far, the response from students has been overwhelmingly positive.

Van Belle knew from the beginning that it was going to be a hit: “They’re going to see it as something fun. It’s almost like going on a field trip.”

The performance featured a charming, bespectacled host, along with an animated cast of characters, who actively engaged students by teaching them about wildfire safety and preparedness through fun, educational segments.

“My favorite character is Penelope Planner because she is nice and smart,” said Izabelle, 8.

Some of the lessons the kids took away from the livestreams include the difference between a disaster, emergency and a hazard; what a family emergency plan is; how wildfires start; and who they should call in case of an emergency.

“I learned that I need to have an emergency kit ready in case of an emergency,” said Aubrey, 8, a first responder in the making.

Since 2012, Edison International, the parent company of Southern California Edison, has partnered with The National Theatre for Children to produce educational arts programs on safety.

“’Ready or Not’ is yet another wonderful play by The National Theatre for Children that teaches kids the importance of emergency planning and preparedness,” said Caroline Choi, Edison International and SCE senior vice president of Corporate Affairs. “As the future stewards of safety, we want the kids to learn these important lessons now, so they remember to practice them throughout their lives.”

“Ready or Not” premiered during National Fire Prevention Week to more than 2,500 kids in five different elementary schools across San Bernardino County. In addition to Kordyak Elementary, other schools included Los Amigos Elementary School in Rancho Cucamonga, Preston Elementary School and Dollahan Elementary School in Rialto, and Ontario Center School in Ontario.

Dr. Eboni Kemp, principal of Kordyak Elementary School, hopes students will continue to have access to these plays.

“It’s a little break from the rigor of the day, and this is important life-learning skills,” said Kemp. “The biggest takeaway is having a plan and doing it with your family. We need to make sure they are prepared.”