Disney and Red Cross Help Families Get Prepared for Emergencies with Pillowcase Project

Preparing for disasters is an important part of ensuring the safety and security of your family in emergency situations. Maybe even more important is making sure children know what to do when disaster strikes. September is National Preparedness Month, and there’s no better time to get your loved ones together to think ahead and plan.

With this in mind, Disney and The American Red Cross announced a renewed commitment to the Pillowcase Project, which supports in school and after-school curriculum that helps third through fifth grade students learn how to prepare for and cope with emergencies. This initiative will also include an emergency preparedness interstitial from Disney Junior’s Peabody Award-winning series Doc McStuffins, airing throughout National Preparedness Month on Disney Channel and Disney Junior.

The spot features Doc and her friends modeling the basics of emergency preparedness (Learn, Practice, Share, Be Prepared) to convey simple ways preschoolers and their families can be prepared.

“Children are often more vulnerable to disaster, and there is nothing more compelling than a child sharing preparedness lessons with his or her family,” said Gail McGovern, president and CEO of the American Red Cross. “That’s why it is so important that we teach children to prepare for emergencies through the Pillowcase Project. We are very grateful to Disney for their support in helping to educate young students about the importance of emergency preparedness in a fun, but relevant way.”

The Pillowcase Project teaches students about personal and family preparedness, including how to create emergency kits and how to develop a family emergency communication plan. The students are given opportunities to practice what they’ve learned, and then can share their knowledge with friends and family.

Disney has contributed to the creation and expansion of the Pillowcase Project through a total investment of $3 million since 2012. And as a member of the Annual Disaster Giving Program, Disney helps ensure the Red Cross is able to respond immediately after disasters at home and around the world. Disney employees also support Red Cross disaster relief operations by contributing hundreds of volunteer hours through the Disney VoluntEARS program.

In addition, the Company has also funded Monster Guard, a free mobile app for kids that complements the Pillowcase Project with a game where children role-play as various monster characters and engage in interactive training for emergencies.