Photos & Story by Tiffany Gonzalez, American Red Cross 

The children staying at the Hertz Arena Shelter in Estero, FL got a special treat last week. They were treated to a special presentation of The Pillowcase Project, a preparedness education program for grades 2-5 that teaches students about personal and family preparedness and safety skills, local hazards, and basic coping skills. Red Cross volunteers lead students through a “Learn, Practice, Share” framework to engage them in disaster preparedness and survival skills. Upon completion, students receive a sturdy pillowcase in which to build their personal emergency supplies kit. 

“Preparedness is a lot more than entertaining the kids and sharing a few facts. What’s really important is that they learn that they can understand difficult things in their life, including disasters,” says Jim Hagen, South Florida Disaster Preparedness Manager. “We're trying to empower them. Teach them that they are not just a victim and that they can be involved in their own lives.”  

During the 40-minute class, the kids learned about several types of disasters, how to build their own pillowcase emergency kit, coping skills and everyone’s favorite, how a hurricane sounds. The kids split into groups, and each created a sound – wind, rain, and thunder - as Jim composed the Hurricane Orchestra, and they learned how a hurricane starts slowly and builds in strength before slowing down again. Their smiles growing as they each yelled “THUNDER!”  

After the Hurricane Orchestra, the children were taught a coping strategy. Each child was instructed to pick a happy color and a sad color. Anytime they are feeling anxious over a situation they can breathe in their happy color and breathe out their sad color. “The kids have evacuated, and they are in a strange environment. They might not have been explained yet what exactly is happening or given a chance to understand the situation. We’re trying to help them sort it out in a positive way and the coping skills we teach during The Pillowcase Project, accomplish that.” says Jim.  

At the end of class, each child received their own pillowcase and spent time decorating it to make it their very own. “I loved making hurricane sounds and learning how to prepare my pillowcase,” said  Cheyenne, a 5th grader staying in the shelter at Hertz Arena.  

Learn more about The Pillowcase Project.