Do your children know what they should have prepared in case of an emergency?

The American Red Cross wants to make sure they do.

Last week, community representatives were manning the American Red Cross booth at the first Carbon County Nonprofit Expo and talking about ways people should prepare for disaster.

One initiative the organization is hoping to bring into schools is The Pillowcase Project.

The Pillowcase Project has reached more than 8,000 young students in 20 school districts in northeastern Pennsylvania last year, Andrea Ritter, disaster program specialist for the American Red Cross, said.

It engages third to fifth graders and teaches them skills for emergency preparedness.

“On average, the American Red Cross responds to 64,000 disasters per year, the majority of which are home fires,” Ritter said. “And, seven people are killed per day due to home fires. Last year, the American Red Cross responded to 55 home fires in the Pocono region. Among those 55 families, 89 children were living in the home at the time of the fire.

“Because of programs like The Pillowcase Project, we can help reduce the number of deaths and injuries caused by home fires.”

To learn more or schedule this program at your school or club, contact Ritter at 570-476-3896.

In addition, the American Red Cross is providing those who do not have a smoke detector to obtain one for free. Call 570-234-2705 to get a free smoke alarm installed by the organization.