Several Dallastown, Eastern York, and Red Lion students worked with the Red Cross to organize shelter simulations as part of their Red Cross Clubs. 

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The students participated in several shelter operations classes to learn how a shelter is set up and how the Red Cross helps residents who have been displaced from their homes due to a disaster.  Each student was assigned a role such as Shelter Manager, Food Manager, Registration Manager, Dormitory Manager, Health Services Manager and Communications Manger.  The cumulating project was for the students to set up a mock shelter simulation at the Red Cross building. 

Red Cross volunteers and community partners participated in the shelter simulation as the “displaced residents”.  Each resident was given several situations to act out during the shelter simulation.  The students had all been trained how to handle different situations and did a great job of communicating with the residents.  Some of the situations included: overflowing toilets, food allergies, forgotten medication, pets and assisting non-English speaking residents.  All the issues were very realistic and provided the students with the opportunity to manage a potential real life situation in their community.

Each simulation began at 10:30 a.m. when the students set up the shelter and prepared for the arrival of the residents.  As residents arrived, students registered them, assigned sleeping areas, provided health services, maintained communication and served light meals.  During this time, the residents acted out their assigned situations.  Students then took action to solve each situation, with Red Cross staff available to provide assistance resolving the scenarios.

The shelter simulation lasted until 11:30 a.m. when the residents were told that it was safe to return to their homes.  The students cleaned up the shelter and met with Red Cross staff members to discuss their experiences operating a shelter and the various scenarios they encountered.

Each school district selected a day to set up and operate their own shelter.  There were a total of 3 shelter simulations conducted and many of the volunteer “residents” had such a good time acting out their role, they returned for another simulation or participated in all 3 shelters!

This was a fantastic learning experience for the students who may, someday, act as volunteers at a shelter during a real disaster situation.