Ten years ago,
Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast, affecting millions of people. Many
children were traumatized by their memories of the storm’s fury so the American
Red Cross developed a program using something as simple as a pillowcase to help
these children feel safer and more prepared for a disaster.
Children learn how to create their own emergency supply
kit by packing essential items in a pillowcase which is easy to carry in an
emergency. They can decorate and personalize their pillowcase and each child
receives a “My Preparedness Workbook” and a certificate of completion at the
end of their training.
Through the Pillowcase Project, children in grades three
through five learn how weather hazards occur, how to get ready for and to cope
with emergencies. They also learn how to develop a way to contact household
members in an emergency situation, how to develop fire escape plans and
emergency contact cards and how important it is to share what they learn with
members of their household so everyone can be prepared..
The curriculum meets many of the Common Core State Standards for grades 3-5. For more information about The Pillowcase Project and how your school, after-school program or community group can participate, contact your local Red Cross.
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