September 1 marked the start of National Preparedness Month and the American Red Cross believes it is never too early to start learning how to prepare for disasters. Annually, the Red Cross trains more than 200,000 adults and children how to plan and prepare for disasters and other emergencies. Being adequately prepared is the most important initial step to overcoming disasters and building individual and community resilience. Within these emergency-ready communities are 3^rd to 5^th graders for whom the Red Cross regularly teaches a fun and engaging educational activity called The Pillowcase Project.

The Pillowcase Project is exactly what it sounds like. It was inspired by students in New Orleans, who used their pillowcases to carry their belongings while evacuating during Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Each Pillowcase Project session ends with children receiving their very own Red Cross pillowcase, which they can color and decorate as they like. But before the young learners get to dive into artistic expression, the Red Cross teaches them how to pack these special pillowcases with essential items, some of which are potential lifesavers during times of emergency. Topics covered include frequent local emergencies, how to act during a disaster and, very importantly, how to prepare ourselves and our families long before a disaster strikes. One of the most important components of the presentation is teaching coping skills. This is where Pillowcase Project participants practice how to manage their emotions during difficult times.

In the South Florida Region, hurricanes are an annual threat so naturally, a large emphasis is placed on hurricane preparedness. Presenters teach about the science behind hurricanes, common associated hazards and how and when to find shelter. Another dangerous hazard covered during the presentations is fire safety. Since the Red Cross responds to a home fire every 8 minutes, presenters teach about the importance of fire safety and emergency plans. They also emphasize the need for working smoke alarms and share steps to take in the event of a fire emergency.  Kids are also taught a simple jingle: get out, stay out, call 9-1-1 that they can recall should they experience a fire emergency.

It’s not only participants who look forward to the Pillowcase Project classes. Even for seasoned volunteer presenters, these classes offer a different and unique adventure every time. Presenters never know what to expect, as is always the case teaching a class full of young minds bursting with a million questions. What volunteer presenters do know is that there has never been an unexciting Pillowcase presentation in history. Summer camp, music school or classroom alike, wherever the Pillowcase Project is taught, presenters like to set the tone and let everybody know that learning about emergencies can be fun, too.

Above all, The Pillowcase Project prioritizes family and community involvement by teaching our learners about the Red Cross way of learning, that is to learn, practice and share their new skills. The workbooks distributed during classes are great tools to get caregivers to engage and participate in emergency planning discussions at home. The goal is for kids to extract the knowledge from discussions, interactive activities and quizzes, in order to share with their friends and families. At home, parents are encouraged to take time to talk with their kids about emergencies and involve them in helping to prepare the household with three simple preparedness steps taught in all Red Cross classes: 1) Get a kit. 2) Make a plan. 3) Be informed.

Every day, the Red Cross is at work across the country helping individuals and communities prepare for disasters and other emergencies. With The Pillowcase Project, we teach the youngest (and bravest) members of our community that a well-prepared kit and carefully thought-through plan can do wonders during times of emergency. Caregivers and family members play a critical role in implementing this mission of ours. Remember: children feel reassured by knowing your family has an emergency plan and by practicing it.

Visit redcross.org/prepare for more information, including tips for creating a plan and talking with children about their feelings on disasters.

Written by Yagmur Caglar, American Red Cross Public Affairs