Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
What: American Red Cross of Utah introduces over 400 elementary students to disaster preparedness
When: Thursday, April 17, 2025, at 2 p.m.
Where: Philo T. Farnsworth Elementary School, 3751 Sunnyvale Dr., West Valley City, UT 84120
WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah (April 16, 2025) — During this year’s Great Utah ShakeOut, the American Red Cross of Utah will partner with Enbridge Gas to help over 400 students at Philo T. Farnsworth Elementary School know how to prepare for disasters like earthquakes. Members of the media are invited to attend this engaging and educational event.
At 10:15 a.m. on April 17, people across Utah will take part in the Great Utah ShakeOut by practicing the “Drop, Cover and Hold On” technique during an earthquake drill. This statewide activity helps participants prepare to respond calmly and safely during a real earthquake and potentially avoid disaster.
Later at Farnsworth Elementary School, Red Cross disaster preparedness staff will deliver the Prepare with Pedro program, designed to teach young students essential emergency safety skills. Using storytelling and hands-on activities, this free, 30–45-minute presentation introduces concepts of preparedness in a fun and memorable way for kids. Each participating child will receive a Prepare with Pedro storybook and a family safety checklist, encouraging families to learn and practice preparedness together.
“Our goal is to ensure Utah’s children know how to respond in emergencies like an earthquake or a home fire,” said Jeremiah Lafranca, Executive Director of the American Red Cross of Utah Greater Salt Lake Chapter. “Teaching kids basic skills and giving them the confidence to act can make a big difference during stressful situations.”
Representatives from Enbridge Gas will also participate, teaching children how to recognize signs of a gas leak and the importance of notifying a trusted adult if they detect one.
Building Confidence with Prepare with Pedro
Prepare with Pedro equips young students with foundational skills for staying safe during emergencies. By incorporating storytelling, interactive exercises and take-home materials, the program helps build muscle memory and coping mechanisms for potentially overwhelming situations. The presentation at Farnsworth Elementary will be led by Amanda Ward, Red Cross of Utah Regional Preparedness Manager, and Leigha Westover, Red Cross Greater Salt Lake Chapter Community Disaster Program Manager.
“Implementing the lessons of the Prepare with Pedro program will help our children understand what is happening around them in an emergency and will give them tools to retain a sense of control during uncertain times,” said Farnsworth Elementary Principal Wendy Lovell. “I look forward to learning about this valuable resource for students, families and our entire community.”
Join the Great Utah ShakeOut and Get Prepared
The Great Utah ShakeOut is an annual earthquake drill held on the third Thursday of April. At 10:15 a.m., participants practice the critical “Drop, Cover and Hold On” technique to improve emergency preparedness statewide. The ShakeOut drill encourages Utahns to learn what to do before, during and after an earthquake and prepares them to face the potential risks of living in an earthquake-prone region.
Sign up for the Great Utah ShakeOut today at shakeout.org/utah and take the first step toward earthquake readiness. After registering, visit redcross.org/earthquake to discover essential tips for preparing for emergencies.
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.
