SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--PEMCO Mutual Insurance and the American Red Cross are once again partnering to bring safety and emergency preparedness training to hundreds of elementary school students in Seattle and Spokane through PEMCO’s “Safety Surge” initiative. The organizations will teach the Red Cross Pillowcase Project curriculum to more than 550 students, grades 3-5, in select public schools throughout November and will help youth mentally and physically prepare for emergencies, including home fires, winter storms and earthquakes.
The partners aim to provide students in underserved areas with actionable steps for developing the skills and confidence to act during emergency situations. Using interactive demonstrations, more than 30 volunteers from PEMCO will guide students through the Red Cross Pillowcase Project curriculum, which focuses on preparedness tactics and emotional coping skills.
“In an emergency, everyone’s actions can have an impact, which is why we’ve repeatedly partnered with the Red Cross to be a force for good for youth in our communities,” said PEMCO CEO Stan McNaughton. “The schools we will be visiting have historically faced barriers to accessing this lifesaving information, and we hope to empower them to learn the skills and tactics that could keep them safe. Everyone, regardless of their circumstances, should have access to these critical resources.”
PEMCO is committed to inspiring individuals of all ages to make a difference in their communities and take action when an emergency strikes. In the Northwest, earthquakes, house fires and winter storms are just some of the crisis situations that families could face, and children can be especially vulnerable. Bringing this information to youth in a fun and engaging way gives local students and their families access to emergency preparedness training that they might have otherwise not received.
“Preparedness is more than just having a few extra batteries hidden away and a drawer full of Band-Aids. It’s about having a plan for if things go wrong and being able to respond as quickly and as calmly as possible,” said MJ Vigil, vice president and chief people and brand officer at PEMCO and board member for the American Red Cross, Northwest Region. “We are proud to team up with the Red Cross to build that kind of confidence in the next generation of leaders. The resilience these kids learn now is invaluable and will help them cope in less-than-ideal circumstances.”
PEMCO employees will visit Rising Star Elementary and Bailey Gatzert Elementary in Seattle on Tuesday, November 5, and Lidgerwood Elementary in Spokane on Monday, November 18, 2019.
For more information on PEMCO’s commitment to bringing safety education to its community, please visit www.pemco.com/mutual-good.
About PEMCO Insurance
PEMCO Insurance is the Defender of Your Northwest, providing auto, home, renters and boat coverage. We are consistently recognized for outstanding service, employee expertise and social impact. Our Mutual Good programs raise the achievement levels for youth in education; build stronger, greener environments; and increase safety at home, on the road and at play. Our mission: Free our communities to worry less and live more. To learn more, visit www.pemco.com.
