Members of Red Cross Youth Clubs from six High Schools throughout the county came together at the South San Luis Obispo County Boys and Girls Club to help children become “Masters of Disaster.” 

Students from Paso Robles, North County Christian, San Luis Obispo, Morro Bay, Arroyo Grande and Nipomo High Schools hosted a Safe Kids Day on Wednesday, March 25th. 

Using the Red Cross “Masters of Disaster” curriculum developed for elementary school students, they shared information on disaster preparedness, basic first aid, how to stay safe in and around the water, and what to do if there is an earthquake, flooding, house fire or other disaster.

Aria Niazi, an AmeriCorps Member working with the Red Cross Youth Clubs, observed, “Our youth club students do a fantastic job year-round with presentations and fundraising, but this was a great opportunity for all the clubs to work together to educate a large group of kids.  The presentations were very interactive and it was obvious the Boys and Girls Club members had a great time!”

Four lucky children from the Boys and Girls Club won Disaster Preparedness kits.  Red Cross Club members will continue to work with the children and their families to customize the kits to meet the families’ needs in the event of a disaster.  The kits were made available through grant funding from CoastHills Federal Credit Union and the Robert H. Janssen Foundation.

The San Luis Obispo County Chapter of the American Red Cross touches the lives of 20,000 county residents each year; teaches life saving skills; provides immediate assistance following house fires and other disasters, large and small; offers free disaster preparedness training; and supports military members and their families.

Local donors ensure the continuation of local programs and services. The San Luis Obispo County Chapter is not a government agency and does not receive funding from the National Red Cross. 

To learn more, visit www.slo-redcross.org.