Planning with pillowcases

Red Cross visits fourth-graders to talk emergency preparedness

Fourth-grade students at Washington Elementary School got a lesson in disaster preparedness and a free pillowcase in case of emergency last week, courtesy of the American Red Cross.

The Pillowcase Project is a program that was started after Hurricane Katrina when some college students in New Orleans were observed evacuating their dorms using a pillowcase as a "flee bag" for carrying important personal possessions away from the disaster area. Recognizing a teaching opportunity for emergencies, the Red Cross partnered with Disney which supplied sturdy printed pillowcases and a workbook with lessons about how children and their families may plan and be prepared for a number of disasters.

Retired teachers and Red Cross volunteers Burnell Peterson and Ann Carlander taught all the Washington fourth-graders the Home Fire Safety lesson; the duo previously taught the lesson to Wrenshall students. The kids got to decorate their pillowcases, Principal Robbi Mondati told the school board Monday, and learn some important lessons about disaster preparedness at the same time.

Their teachers spoke from experience. Peterson has been to three disaster areas involving hurricanes in the Gulf and East Coast areas, doing damage assessment, bulk distribution of supplies and driving an emergency response vehicle. He has also been involved with installment of free smoke alarms in the Northland.

Peterson and his wife, Ann, are both teaching the Home Fire Emergency lesson to kids in grades 3-5. They hope to reach 500 students this winter, when home fires are a bigger problem. Engaging students is a good place to start, as they are good at getting the family grown-ups on board, and the curriculum is structured as a "Learn, Practice, Share" framework.

Trained Red Cross volunteers come to teach with supplies at no cost, while meeting learning standards for science in elementary school. Lessons may include possible hazards found in our geographic area such as floods, winter storms, tornados, but always including home fires. Students learn to plan and practice with their families for a safe escape from danger. Volunteers are armed with resources for the kids, the grown-ups in the students' lives, and the teachers, including apps, local contacts for free smoke alarm installation and teaching materials. The lesson taught by the volunteers includes dealing with fear and panic, to stay focused on a safe way to deal with an emergency.

There are many Red Cross programs that people considering volunteering may be trained in, to help communities in our area. Folks often think of blood donation, but that is only part of the activities of the Red Cross. The Minnesota chapter provides much support to local and far-away deployments. Some are specialists such as nurses and mental health professionals, others provide logistics and feet-on-the-ground support. They are always looking for more help.

Anyone interested in the Red Cross safety education program, blood drives, volunteer training, or getting free smoke alarms installed in their home, can contact the Duluth office at 218-722-0071.