Girl Scouts Earn Preparedness Merit Badges: Troops from across NYC Receive Training, Education from FEMA and American Red Cross

Photo Credit: Steven Thorne/American Red Cross

by Jessica Kirk

NEW YORK, NY -- Girl Scouts from across New York City and the surrounding region gathered on Saturday, June 17 at the FEMA Region II office at One World Trade Center for Girl Scouts Day 2017: Girl Scout today, Emergency Manager Tomorrow, hosted by FEMA Region II and the American Red Cross. The rationale was to help the Scouts learn about Disaster Preparedness, providing them the knowledge they need to earn a Girl Scouts badge and an honorary FEMA badge.

Photo credit: Steven Thorne/American Red Cross

Photo Credit: Steven Thorne/American Red Cross

From the youngest Daisies and Brownies to Juniors and Seniors, each Scout learned how to implement basic measures, including which items to include in a Go-Kit and the importance of accurate information dissemination before, during, and following a disaster. From pet preparedness and flooding to Mitigation techniques and fire safety, there was a lot to learn.

Jennifer Ramirez, Red Cross Corps member, taught Scouts the correct way to identify if fire exists on the other side of a door: by using the back of the hand on the doorknob. She also discussed what to do if you cannot leave the room you are in, what to use to block smoke from getting in beneath the door, and how to gain the attention of the fire department from inside a window. Ramirez also spent time instructing Scouts how to calm themselves when anxious by taking deep breaths.

Joe Lenz, also a member of the Red Cross Corps, asked Scouts, "Why do we use a pillowcase for our go bag?"

Photo Credit: Steven Thorne/American Red Cross

"It's like Santa's pack!" said one Scout.

"Yes, it's very light and thin, and easy for you to carry over your shoulder." Joe went on to teach the Scouts about preparing to be safe. He said, "We're entrusting you to be part of The Pillowcase Project family."

Which items are included in the pillowcase? Food, water, a flashlight, medicine, and important documents. Ramirez and Lenz also encouraged the Scouts to speak with their parents/guardians about getting the bags ready.

First Aid instructors, also from the Red Cross, taught the Scouts when to call 911, and what information to provide. Scouts also learned: which items to include in a First Aid kit, how to speak with their families about establishing a fire plan, including choosing a neighborhood evacuation place to meet after the home is evacuated.

Commencement included participating in a song and dance to reinforce what was learned throughout the day and how to be prepared. All attendees participated in the official Girl Scout Promise to practice disaster safety and First Aid. Each Scout earned a special disaster readiness badge and agreed to spread the word among their friends and communities.

Red Cross and Girl Scouts of Greater NY Partner for Girl Scout Prep Day

Photo: Steven Thorne

The American Red Cross and the Girl Scouts of Greater New York partnered to prepare and empower young girls at a First Aid and Wellness Day hosted by the Greater NY Red Cross on Sept. 20.

“Helping the community prepare for emergencies is at the core of the Red Cross mission,” said Amanda Crabbe, Greater NY Regional Manager, Youth Services. “Going back to decades, the Red Cross has a long history of getting youth involved in its mission.”

Throughout the day approximately 200 Girl Scouts, ages 5 to 17, from across the city participated in a variety of activities, including first aid and emergency preparedness classes, a “Scrubby Bear” hand washing presentation a Basic First Aid (BAT) event for younger girls, and an opportunity to design and build their own first aid kits.

Scouts also took part in a panel entitled, “Women in Emergency Management,” in which women from various disaster response organizations, including the Red Cross, discussed what they and what motivates them to work in their respective fields. 

"This day was an amazing opportunity for our girls, who work every day to make the world a better place,” said Sarah Pooley, Manager, Youth Leadership & Volunteer Support, Girl Scouts of Greater New York. “Girl Scouting emphasizes leadership development, and this event gave our girls the opportunity to learn about leading during a disaster. We're grateful to the American Red Cross for this opportunity."

“My favorite part of the Red Cross training was learning how to deal with serious emergencies and how to get out of a fire, said Meghan Bernardy, a Junior with Troop 4791. “It was also fun to make a first aid kit to carry at all times.” 

See more photos of the event.