Juliana Shepard decorates her emergency pillowcase. (Photo submitted)
SPRINGFIELD – The American Red Cross and Walt Disney Corporation are partnering to deliver disaster preparedness for 3rd to 5th graders with the Disney Pillowcase Project. The Pillowcase Project teaches children how to create their own emergency supplies kits by packing essential items in a pillowcase—a common household item—for easy transport during an emergency.
“The curriculum follows three essential teaching steps: Learn, Practice and Share,” said Mary Nathan, Red Cross Disaster Program Manager. “The hands-on activities also help build confidence so that kids are prepared to take action during an emergency.”
The Red Cross Pioneer Valley Chapter held the Massachusetts debut of the Pillowcase Project on March 7 at the chapter offices on Cottage Street in Springfield. Nearly twenty 3rd to 5th graders came together to learn how to prepare for emergencies, enhance coping skills and practice what they learned. The attendees had the opportunity to decorate and personalize pillowcases and were encouraged to share the preparedness skills they learned with their families and their communities. “We want kids to understand that by sharing what they have learned with family and friends, they can help create a prepared community”, said Nathan.
Students practice the preparedness skills they learned with confidence-building hands-on activities. (Photo submitted)
In early 2013, the Walt Disney Company funded the design and development phase of a multiyear effort to design a standardized, state-of-the-art disaster preparedness program. The student workbook and other materials are specifically linked to Common Core and Next Generation Science standards and the entire curriculum is based on the most up to date knowledge of emergency preparedness from subject matter experts, scientists, and emergency management professionals.
The American Red Cross of Massachusetts was one of several Red Cross regions chosen to pilot the program. The goal is to train 3,000 children in Massachusetts this year, starting with children in the Greater Springfield area. “We are thrilled to pilot this program and help create a generation of children who understand the science of hazards and are empowered to take action by practicing how to prepare for emergencies,” shared Nathan.
Created in New Orleans by the American Red Cross Southeast Louisiana Region and sponsored by the Walt Disney Company, the Pillowcase Project was inspired by local university students carrying their belongings in pillowcases in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
