The Pillowcase Project is a preparedness education program for children in grades 3 – 5, which teaches students about personal and family preparedness, local hazards, and basic coping skills. Generally given as a 60 minute presentation by Red Cross volunteers, the program leads students through a “learn, practice, share” framework to engage them in disaster preparedness. Students receive a sturdy pillowcase upon completion of the program in which they are encouraged to build their personal emergency supplies kit. Presentations are customized to focus on a hazard that is important and relevant to the local community.
The New Orleans chapter originally developed the project after Hurricane Katrina. The program, currently sponsored by Disney, was standardized and updated in 2013 and pilot tested in several Red Cross regions. The Pillowcase Project has now been expanded to include 60 Red Cross regions implementing the pilot in 2014, covering most states in the U.S. and in Puerto Rico. The Global Disaster Preparedness Center is also working with Disney support to expand the program internationally in 2014, pilot testing international implementation in 6 countries.

Pillowcase Project presentations are currently being scheduled and given in schools, after-school programs, Girl and Boy Scout troop meetings, and at a variety of other sites and events across the country. If you are interested in learning more, becoming a presenter, or in scheduling a presentation near you, please contact your local Red Cross chapter.

Disney Mickey and Friends Preparedness Activity Book

The Red Cross and Disney Mickey and Friends Disaster Preparedness Activity Book teaches youth how to be prepared and stay safe during disasters. Using interactive games and activities, children and their families learn how to be better prepared for the unexpected in a safe and stress free environment.

Disney National Preparedness Month Friends for Change

Want to learn more information about being prepared? Check out our Pillowcase Project PSA, sponsored by Disney, and learn more about what to put in a kit, and how to help keep you and your family safe during a disaster!

Action Kit

Download the Disney Action Kit and learn what to put inside of your emergency preparedness kit or pillowcase, how to make a family plan, and additional steps to stay safe during an emergency.

Question: Why do I need an Emergency Weather Radio?

Answer: They are like “smoke alarms” for danger.

1. Emergency Radios pick up emergency information 24 hours.
2. Critical to have on all the time, especially at night.
3. You get the message directly from the National Weather Service and other agencies immediately.
4. Alerts you to weather dangers like tornados and floods, accidents like nuclear power emergencies, and terrorist attacks.

Question: How to I get an Emergency Weather Radio?

Answer: You can buy them at most electronic stores including:

• Best Buy
• Mills Fleet Farm
• Walgreens
• Walmart
• Radio Shack
• Sears

You can also buy them on line at:

• www.weatherradiostore.com
• www.amazon.com
• www.weatherradios.com

Question: How much do they cost?

Answer: Radios range from $20 to $100.

Question: Are all Emergency Weather Radios the same?

Answer: No, you should look for a radio that has S.A.M.E.
S.A.M.E allows you to pre-program the weather radio to filter out distant weather warnings. You can program it to monitor different counties in your area.

Is where I live covered by an emergency weather radio signal?

Answer: Almost all of Wisconsin is covered by transmitters scattered across the state.
Click here for latest map

 

Each person’s needs and abilities are unique, but every individual can take important steps to prepare for all kinds of emergencies and put plans in place. By evaluating your own personal needs and making an emergency plan, you can be better prepared for any situation. A commitment to planning today will help you prepare for any emergency situation. Preparing makes sense. Get ready now.

• Consider how a disaster might affect your individual needs.
• Plan to make it on your own, at least for a period of time. It’s possible that you will not have access to a medical facility or even a drugstore.
• Identify what kind of resources you use on a daily basis and what you might do if they are limited or not available.

Get an emergency supply kit. Plan in advance for shelter alternatives that will work for you; consider loved ones or friends outside of your immediate area who would be willing to host you in an emergency.

View the full check list here… Emergency Preparedness for Seniors