Red Cross Offers Virtual Emergency Preparedness Education for Kids and Adults NEW YORK, April 22, 2020 — The American Red Cross is encouraging families to rethink their disaster plans during the coronavirus. To help families, the Red Cross Greater New York Region adapted its preparedness education programs for adults and children to deliver this training virtually. “COVID-19 has reminded us all of the critical importance of being prepared for the unexpected. That why the American Red Cross, is working to bring readiness education to more children and adults as ever,” said Susan Rounds, Interim CEO, American Red Cross in Greater NY. “As families shelter in place together, now is the perfect time to build on these life-saving skills.” KIDS: The Pillowcase Project – The Pillowcase Project is an interactive preparedness education program, typically taught in a classroom setting, for children in grades 3 through 5 that teaches children how to prepare for emergencies, practice what they have learned, and share their knowledge with family and friends. The idea is that when an emergency occurs, everyone in the child’s family knows what to do and how to help each other stay safe. As part of this age-appropriate lesson the kids will also learn skills to help them cope with the emotional brought on by these different emergencies. The Pillowcase Project virtual classes are offered via Webex weekly: Virtual classes are offered every Wednesday at 4pm To register visit: www.redcross.org/gnyprepare Organizations can plan special groups sessions. Email [email protected] to coordinate. ADULTS: Prepare, Respond, Recover: What to do When Disaster Strikes – In partnership with New York State, the Red Cross is providing free this emergency preparedness training. The training gives a comprehensive overview on how to prepare for natural and man-made disasters and how to respond to and recover from them. The training also provides information on types of common disasters, ways to prepare as an individual, family and community member, what to do when disaster strikes and what actions you can take afterwards to aid in your recovery. The presentation, of course, will touch on COVID-19 safety and preparedness, but the theme of the conversation will be much broader than the virus. It will draw our attention to many of the different hazards we could be confronted with and the different ways we can better prepare and stay safe in the face of these often unexpected emergencies. Virtual classes are offered via WebEx weekly. Virtual sessions are offered Tuesdays at 1pm and Thursday 4pm To register visit: www.redcross.org/gnyprepare Organizations can plan special groups sessions. Email [email protected] to coordinate. About the American Red Cross: The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCrossNY. Sincerely, Olga Wallace Regional Emergency Preparedness Specialist American Red Cross Greater New York Region 520 West 49th Street New York, NY 10019 Cell: (917)748-0752 Email: [email protected]