The American Red Cross is excited to offer The Pillowcase Project. The Pillowcase Project is a national program offered in schools, after-school programs, summer camps and other youth programs and events to teach 3rd - 5th graders and their families how to prepare for disasters. The one hour program gives students the opportunity to learn about the science behind various hazards and the importance of preparedness in a fun and interactive way. The hands-on activities will also help to build confidence so that kids are prepared to take action during an emergency.
The Pillowcase Project curriculum is structured by three core principles: Learn, Practice and Share. Students will learn about hazards, how to prepare for emergencies, enhance coping skills, practice what they have learned and share their knowledge with friends and family. The program emphasizes the importance of developing an emergency communications plan, fire evacuation plan and emergency contact cards.
The program also teaches students how to create their own emergency supply kits by packing essential items in a pillowcase for easy transport during an emergency. Students will have the opportunity to decorate and personalize their pillowcases during the presentation and are encouraged to take them home to create a kit.
The Pillowcase Project was created by the New Orleans Red Cross chapter and was inspired by the story of local university students carrying their belongings in pillowcases during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Through the program, the Red Cross aims to incorporate preparedness education into elementary school and after-school curriculums nationwide. The program is sponsored by Disney.
According to Russ Paulsen, Executive Director, Community Preparedness for the American Red Cross, “Kids are at a much higher risk of being hurt in a home fire or other disaster. The Pillowcase Project helps them protect themselves by teaching them how to be safe in a fun way”.
For more information about The Pillowcase Project or to schedule a free presentation, contact: Jamie Zuvich, Project Manager at 717-257-1822 x1220 or pillowcaseproject@redcross.org.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or follow them on Twitter at @RedCross.
