Indian Lake Elementary School third-graders can be prepared for a variety of different disasters with a new pillowcase carry-all from the American Red Cross.
Representatives Mary Jo Altstaetter and Jenny Tynan recently met with students about their American Red Cross Pillowcase Project. They talked with the students about natural disasters that are most likely in Ohio and what items they might need to have handy if they must evacuate their home.
Each student received a pillowcase to color and take home, along with an information booklet. They encouraged the students to decorate their pillowcases, then use them to create a Household Emergency Preparedness Kit.
Items to include are: plenty of water, non-perishable foods, a can opener and cooking utensils, matches, flashlights and batteries, cash and coins, a cell phone charger, blankets, a map of their area, extra clothes, hygiene supplies, pet supplies (if needed), a first aid kit, portable radio, paper and pens and more.
They explained all the items can be stored in the pillowcase and kept in a handy place to grab on their way out the door.
Altstaetter and Tynan also talked to the students about ways to remain calm in an emergency. They say the most common natural disasters in Ohio are tornados.
In addition, they reminded students to have a working smoke detector in their home. The Red Cross will provide, and even install, smoke detectors for free in homes, if they are needed.