School Safety Initiative

"Safe Schools are a priority for us all," says Chi McBride, star of the FOX hit series "Boston Public."

The American Red Cross is kicking off its School Safety Initiative, helping schools prevent, prepare for and respond to violent incidents, natural disasters and other emergencies. The initiative supports current school curricula. It targets school-aged children between the ages of five to 18 years old and includes training in first aid and CPR, disaster preparedness, leadership training and tolerance education.

"It doesn't matter whether you have a child or not, this is a community issue and we all have a responsibility to help ensure all children have a safe environment in which to learn," says McBride.

Building a Better Future Through Prevention, Preparedness and Response.
The Red Cross offers students, school staff, administrators and family members help in three areas.

• Prevention. The goal of the prevention components of the initiative is to reduce the incidence of violence, accidents and injuries at school.
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• Preparedness. The goal of the preparedness components is to prepare students, administrators, staff and parents to respond confidently to unexpected situations, including violence, natural disasters, terrorism and other emergencies.
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• Response. The goal of the response portions is to improve response to and minimize the impact of violent incidents and other emergencies.
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School Safety Initiative -- Prevention

• Educates students, parents and school staff on topics such as conflict resolution, anger management, anti-bullying, self-esteem, leadership, diversity and humanitarian principles and values.
• Provides training and curriculum for students, teachers, school staff and parents on the prevention of accidents and injuries.
• Creates positive outlets through Red Cross clubs and service learning.

  Programs include:

  • Longfellow's WHALE Tales (Grades K-6)
  • Learn-to-Swim (Grades K-12)
  • Babysitter's Training (Grades 5-9)
  • Lifeguarding (Grades 9-12)
  • HIV/AIDS Education (Grades 1-12)
  • Workplace Violence Prevention (Adults)
  • First Aid for Children Today (Grades K-3)
  • When I'm in Charge (Grades 3-5)
  • Leadership in Action (Grades 7-12)
  • Exploring Humanitarian Law (Grades 9-12)
  • International Humanitarian Law Study Guide (For teachers of grades 7-12)
  • Tip sheets and a resource library of violence prevention programs

For more information, contact your local American Red Cross.

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School Safety Initiative -- Preparedness

• Encourages schools to develop disaster plans, create disaster response teams and conduct drills
• Trains students, teachers, school administrators, staff and parents in first aid and CPR
• Provides curricula and presentations on preparedness for violent incidents, natural disasters, terrorism and other emergencies for students, staff and parents
• Helps schools equip themselves with on-site first aid and disaster supply kits and automated external defibrillators (AEDs).

  Programs include:

  • Masters of Disaster (Grades K-8)
  • Facing Fear: Helping Young People Deal with Terrorism and Tragic Events (Grades K-12)
  • Preparing for the Unexpected (School Staff)
  • Preparing Your Business for the Unthinkable
  • Emergency Management Guide for Business and Industry
  • Basic Water Rescue (Grades K-12)
  • Basic Aid Training (Grades 3-5)
  • Community First Aid and Safety (Grades 7-12, Adults)
  • First Aid: Responding to Emergencies (Grades 9-12)
  • First aid and disaster supply kits, disaster planning consultation, information about obtaining automated external defibrillators (AEDs)

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School Safety Initiative --Response

• Supports schools and communities with supplemental crisis counseling for students, teachers and emergency response workers
• Provides food and other support to emergency workers and law enforcement
• Helps reunite families affected by violence or disaster situations

For more information about the School Safety Initiative and its components, contact your local American Red Cross.

Chi McBride helps launch School Safety Initiative (Press Release)