Leaders in Climate Education: Kristee Lauro and Abby Kelly

From Classrooms to Emergency Response: A Path to Empowering Young Minds

Imagine a child who knows exactly what to do in the face of an emergency, not because they’ve experienced one, but because they’ve learned it firsthand from someone who cares. This is the world Kristee Lauro and Abby Kelly are creating through their work in youth preparedness with the American Red Cross. By educating young learners about emergency preparedness before it’s needed, they’re empowering the next generation with the knowledge, confidence, and skills to face emergencies.

A Journey Built on Passion and Purpose

Kristee started her career as an educator and was always drawn to the field of emergency preparedness. Her first position with the Red Cross was an internship where she helped families in the wake of home fires. Seven years later, she took on a role on the National Preparedness Team, shaping preparedness resources and programs that reach children and families nationwide.

One early experience that solidified her commitment was with a young boy who took her lessons to heart. After learning about emergency preparedness in one of Kristee’s presentations, he and his family created their own emergency preparedness plan—complete with a personalized "go bag." He proudly wrote to Kristee about including a mozzarella cheese stick and marinara sauce in his bag “because it makes me happy.” The simple joy of the cheese stick symbolized so much more: this student had taken a proactive step toward creating a plan.

For Abby Kelly, a similar moment stands out. Abby, who was also a previous educator, presented to students of all grade levels. Over time, she saw some of the same students she’d taught in earlier grades. One student, upon seeing Abby, said, “Mrs. Kelly, I remember you. When I see the Red Cross, I know help is coming.” He explained that his friend’s home caught fire, and he knew the American Red Cross had helped. These connections with students have underscored for Abby the powerful role the Red Cross can play in a community’s collective peace of mind.

Prepare with Pedro: Where Preparedness Meets Fun

Knowing that early education is key, Prepare with Pedro, a K-2nd grade program that teaches students and their families to be prepared and take action for home fires and local hazards, was developed.

The program covers 12 different emergencies to help youth grasp safety essentials in a lighthearted but educational way. With wildfires currently devastating parts of Los Angeles, resources like the Prepare with Pedro! Wildfire video are especially relevant. In this video, Pedro, an animated penguin, learns about wildfire safety while preparing for a campfire talent show. Students learn how wildfires start, why they’re dangerous, and the steps they can take to stay safe.

Abby describes the approach as one that “can’t prevent disasters, but can empower young learners to prepare.” When students bring their excitement home, sharing preparedness plans and talking about how to be safe during an emergency creates a ripple effect that extends to their entire community.?

This program also draws feedback from educators and local experts, including partnerships with organizations like FEMA, to ensure it’s both relevant and responsive to community needs.

Disaster Preparedness Teacher Guide

In September 2024, SubjectToClimate and the Red Cross launched a new disaster preparedness teacher guide. This guide is packed with ready-to-use activities for classrooms of all ages and aims to make discussions around safety accessible and empowering.

Together, these resources aim to empower educators to foster a resilient mindset in students, preparing them to face emergencies with confidence.