Earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, and fires dominated news reports across the globe recently. And tsunami warnings along the Pacific Coast made cameos this summer. Preparing for disasters, educating children about safety, and teaching critical skills that can save lives are priorities for one Coachella Valley resident.
Bunni Benaron was a teacher and ran a home furnishing business with her husband, Rick, for many years. Her mother was a nurse for 50 years and a powerful inspiration. Now, Benaron harnesses the strength of first responders and education to help foster children’s safety and well-being by teaching disaster preparedness.
The specter of natural disasters has loomed large in the native Californian’s work and life. The Benarons – who live in Rancho Mirage – founded The Hero in You Foundation (THIYF) in 2014. The organization began as an emergency preparedness effort and a way to help kids honor first responders post 9/11.
THIYF started when the couple donated six-foot-tall Dalmatian puppy sculptures to several cities. The sculptures were installed at various public locations, like fire stations, parks, museums, and libraries. These canine characters took on a large role in education efforts. Thirty sculptures of the beloved puppies are currently placed throughout the United States, El Salvador, and Israel. The City of Rancho Mirage announced a proclamation honoring The Hero In You Foundation for “empowering, educating, and inspiring children with tools to make better decisions during emergencies” in 2025.
Classroom programs for young children teach them how to prevent serious injuries and make good decisions in dangerous situations. The programs were initially intended for kindergarten to second-grade students, but are now offered to kids as old as fifth graders. “Our mission has morphed over the years; we keep [it] pliable,“ Benaron says.
Recent devastating floods in Texas and fires that plagued Los Angeles in January made the Benarons’ work more urgent. “Safety is the crux of it,” she says. THIYF engages fire chiefs, an international earthquake specialist, and its popular cartoon dog (a red Dalmatian named Rocket) to share important information. “The Rocket Rules For Safety Program builds essential, foundational skill sets on socio-emotional, health, and safety subjects for children to keep them safe and calm,” the foundation’s website noted.
The classroom programs – developed in collaboration with law enforcement officials and safety experts – include information on:
- activation and awareness of the five primary senses
- pedestrian safety
- awareness of and how to locate exits
- dialing 911
- geographical awareness and landmark recognition
- how to recognize trusted adults when seeking help
- staying away from dangerous things
- walking with a buddy
- no-bully zones
These programs have expanded in scope and geography, and are now available in more than 40 states. Classroom kits include lessons for teachers, activity books, videos, and certificates of completion. More than 250,000 Rocket Rules books and materials are available in English and Spanish, and online programs are offered, as well. A Finding Feelings mental health program was introduced in 2022. This program – which is especially needed post-pandemic – helps children regulate their emotions, make friends, and stay calm. It also fosters empathy, resilience, and perseverance with an anti-bullying component.
Safety protocols regarding drug use and internet use are now part of the curriculum, as well. The animated Rocket character has visited classrooms across the U.S. via the internet since 2022. Children exposed to the classroom programs love absorbing the 15- to 20-minute-long lessons, and they learn skills they can use for the rest of their lives.
For more information, visit https://rocketrules.org/the-hero-in-you-foundation/.
