By Mary Urban
Teaching others to be adept and clear-headed when handling emergencies not only benefits those who are being taught, but instills confidence in the instructor. It reinforces for the teacher what preparedness entails, as well as honing public interaction and speaking skills. The Red Cross offers the Preparedness Academy for those who enjoy teaching other community members and volunteers for any organization or business.
On April 16-17, the Mile High Chapter of the Red Cross will be hosting a Preparedness Academy that includes several different courses focused on training individuals with the desire to teach others these potentially life-saving skills. Participants can choose to attend one day of their choice or both days.
In the Ready Rating (business preparedness) and Be Red Cross Ready (individual preparedness) attendees will view a presentation with instructors. Then class attendees will facilitate the presentation within the community, with assistance from a more experienced presenter.
The Pillowcase Project teaches kids how to stay safe and how to create their own emergency supply kits by packing essential items in a pillowcase for easy transport during a disaster. Participants in the Pillowcase Project training class will watch the instructor’s presentation, and then everyone pairs up and gets a turn to present to the class, reinforcing the material multiple times.
The Home Fire Campaign class will be taught for the first time exclusively in a classroom for the Mile High Red Cross. In the past, the Home Fire Campaign training was briefly done on-site in the morning; attendees then applied their skills in the community the remainder of the day. This training will provide the skills for volunteers to help others with home fire campaigns. The Preparedness Academy attendee will train other volunteers to visit homes and install smoke alarms and educate residents about fire safety. This is a regular activity, focused on a variety of neighborhoods in Colorado.
Classes are free to the public. Breakfast and lunch will be served both days. Sign up here.
Preparedness Academy Day 1 — 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Saturday, April 16: Learn to train adults, organizations and the business community through the Red Cross Ready Rating program, Be Red Cross Ready Training, and the Home Fire Campaign.
Preparedness Academy Day 2 — 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Sunday, April 17: Learn to deliver The Pillowcase Training for elementary-age children. This training teaches children about disasters, fire safety, and how they can be prepared for emergencies.
The classes will be held at Red Cross of Colorado Headquarters 444 Sherman St. Denver, CO 80203.