STUDENTS TO LEARN EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS, RECEIVE EMERGENCY
KIT SUPPLIES
JACKSON, Tenn. – The Jackson-Madison County Regional Health Department and Jackson-
Madison County Emergency Management Agency are pleased to announce approximately
1,000 local third grade students will learn to prepare themselves, their households and their
communities for emergencies by participating in the American Red Cross Pillowcase Project.
The health department along with the American Red Cross, Jackson-Madison County
Emergency Management Agency and Jackson-Madison County School System will provide
pillowcases for students to fill with supplies needed during emergencies.
“We are thrilled for the opportunity to help prepare Madison County students for local
emergencies,” American Red Cross Disaster Program Manager Heather Carbajal said. “The
goal of the Pillowcase Project is to empower students to take action during emergencies and
get them so excited about emergency preparedness that it becomes a family project.”
Originally created in New Orleans, The Pillowcase Project is a free program inspired by the
story of local university students carrying their belongings in pillowcases during Hurricane
Katrina evacuations. All third grade students in the Jackson-Madison County School System
will receive a pillowcase to decorate and take home to use as a personal emergency supplies
kit.
Representatives from the health department, American Red Cross, Jackson-Madison County
Emergency Management Agency and Jackson-Madison County School System will present
pillowcases to third grade students at East Elementary School on Tuesday, Sept. 24 at 10:30
a.m. Students can decorate those pillowcases and then fill them with emergency supplies.
The emergency kits will include:
First Aid Kit
Emergency blanket
Toothbrushes (donated by Delta Dental) and toothpaste
Batteries and flashlights (donated by Modern Woodmen of America)
Water
Pen and paper
Students in Madison County will also learn how to prepare for potential disasters like
tornadoes. They practice what to do if a disaster occurs and how to cope with related fear and
stress. “We encourage students to share the information with their family and friends so
everyone in the household knows what to do during an emergency,” Jackson-Madison
County Regional Health Department Emergency Response Director Lynn Mooney said.
“Children are often the most affected during disasters,” Jackson-Madison County Emergency
Management Agency Deputy Director Jason Moore said. “We believe the Pillowcase Project
will reduce vulnerability for students in Madison County.”
Third grade students at other schools in the district will receive pillowcases and emergency
supplies at a later date.
“We are always looking for ways to increase preparedness for our students and staff,”
JMCSS District INV/Safety Coordinator Shameka Douglas said. “This is a fun and exciting
way for students to engage, learn and obtain items that they would need in the event of an
emergency.”
For more information about The Pillowcase Project contact the American Red Cross at 731-
427-5543 or go to https://tinyurl.com/y4t8ul36.