Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
BATTLE MOUNTIAN, Nev. (May 8, 2025) — American Red Cross of Northern Nevada volunteers today brought essential disaster preparedness skills to 60 fourth-grade students at Battle Mountain Elementary School through an engaging and interactive presentation. The program, designed specifically for young students, aims to teach children critical emergency safety skills and how to stay safe in the face of disasters.
Longtime Red Cross volunteers Julie Street and Marlene Killion, both from Winnemucca, led the session. They demonstrated how to create a personalized emergency supply kit using a simple pillowcase, ensuring the students could easily carry vital items in case of an emergency.
“Our goal is to ensure children in Northern and Rural Nevada are equipped to respond effectively to emergencies like earthquakes or home fires,” said Bridget Posson, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Northern Nevada Chapter. “By teaching kids these basic skills and building their confidence, we help prepare them to act during stressful situations. Recognizing and addressing the unique needs of children is an important part of disaster preparedness.”
Building Confidence in Young Students
Julie and Marlene have been sharing lifesaving preparedness skills with Lander County and other Rural Nevada communities for years. Their approach includes storytelling, interactive exercises and take-home materials, allowing students to develop muscle memory and key coping mechanisms for potentially overwhelming situations.
“It’s essential to equip kids, families and entire communities with simple tools to plan ahead for the unexpected,” Posson added. “Thanks to incredible volunteers like Julie and Marlene, the Red Cross has been able to reach thousands of children throughout Nevada with practical, lifesaving knowledge before disasters strike.”
As part of the preparedness lesson, each student received a pillowcase along with a checklist of essential items to pack for an emergency. The students were encouraged to continue gathering personal items and precious keepsakes at home that they would want with them during an emergency. By keeping their pillowcase kits in a secure, easily accessible location, such as under their bed, kids can act quickly and stay prepared.
“The presentation emphasizes how important emergency preparedness is for students and helps them feel prepared if a disaster strikes,” Posson said. “The Battle Mountain Elementary School students enjoyed getting their pillowcases, but they also gained valuable preparedness knowledge. It also encouraged them to take these lessons home and discuss creating an emergency plan with their families.”
Be Red Cross Ready
Preparedness starts with education. After learning these skills in school, students can share what they’ve learned with their families. Together, families can take the three essential steps to get Red Cross Ready: get an emergency kit, make an emergency plan and be informed about potential disasters. To learn more about disaster preparedness and how to become Red Cross Ready, visit redcross.org/prepare.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members, and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.
