American Red Cross Texas South Plains Chapter Executive Director Deborah Finlayson (right) and a Red Cross Pillowcase Project instructor at a Roosevelt I.S.D. elementary school as they embark on introducing the Pillowcase Project to local students.
“Children are particularly vulnerable (to) being hurt during disasters, which is why we offer programs like the Pillowcase Project."
Harvey Johnson, senior vice president of Disaster Cycle Services at the American Red Cross
LUBBOCK, Texas (Sept. 27, 2018) The American Red Cross Texas South Plains Chapter has launched a popular emergency preparedness program, the Pillowcase Project, in Roosevelt Independent School District. A national program offered in schools, after-school programs, summer camps and other youth programs, the Disney-sponsored Pillowcase Project teaches third- through fifth-grade students and their families how to prepare for disasters. The chapter hopes to reach over 250 youth in the Lubbock community with fire safety awareness education.
The Pillowcase Project curriculum is structured by three core principles: Learn, Practice and Share. Students will learn about potential everday hazards, preparing for emergencies, enhancing coping skills, practicing what they learned and sharing their knowledge with friends and family. The program emphasizes the importance of taking precautionary actions, developing an emergency communications plan, and practicing a home fire drill.
The program also teaches students how to create their own emergency supplies kit by packing essential items in a pillowcase for easy transport. Students will have the opportunity to decorate and personalize their pillowcases during the presentation and are encouraged to take them home to create a kit.
“We are thrilled to offer the Pillowcase Project in Roosevelt schools and give students the opportunity to learn about the science behind everyday hazards and (making preparedness) a fun and interactive,” said Renee Posey, Red Cross Texas South Plains Board Member “The hands-on activities help build confidence so that kids are prepared to take action during an emergency. We hope to add more schools and groups in the future”
Created in New Orleans, the Pillowcase Project was inspired by the story of local university students carrying their belongings in pillowcases during Hurricane Katrina evacuations. Through the program, the Red Cross aims to empower children to prepare themselves, their households, and their communities for emergencies. The program is sponsored by Disney.
To learn more about the Pillowcase Project and other kid-friendly emergency preparedness programs, please visit www.redcross.org/pillowcase.
For more information about the Texas South Plains chapter of the American Red Cross, please visit the chapter website.