Hector Santiago, a pitcher for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, was hit by a pitch and suffered a head wound. Luckily for him, it was just a simulation and Ruby, a 9-year-old student at Melrose Elementary School in Placentia, California, helped bandage and care for his fake wound.

“I learned how to wrap Hector’s head with a bandage after he got hit in the head with a baseball,” said Ruby. “I didn’t think I would be doing that when I came to school today and I was a little nervous.”

Ruby was one of 95 fourth-grade students at Melrose Elementary who took part in the emergency preparedness assembly that focused on earthquake safety. Santiago helped demonstrate how to stay safe using a variety of mock drills.

The event supports Edison International’s $1.5-million, three-year PrepareSoCal partnership with the American Red Cross and the Angels. Their goal is to increase emergency and disaster preparedness awareness among residents in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and Ventura counties.

“Melrose Elementary is located in an underserved community and often gets overlooked,” said Ani Baker, office clerk at the school. “Thanks to this event, our students will be able to associate safety with Hector’s demonstrations and easily remember what to do in an emergency.”

Abraham, a 10-year-old student, practiced what to do if there is a fire. He got low to the ground and crawled, as he would if smoke filled the room. Santiago crawled along next to him.

“My favorite part was meeting Hector and when he autographed our hats,” Abraham said. “Thank you Edison, American Red Cross and Hector.”

Each of the students received a starter emergency kit filled with a flashlight, mini first-aid kit, electric safety materials and a PrepareSoCal emergency preparedness guide for parents. They also took home an Angels hat, signed by their new friend Hector.

“Today was a fun day and a new experience for me,” said Santiago. “There were a lot of great tips and things I learned too.”

“At Edison International, being prepared for an emergency or disaster is part of what we do every day,” said Tammy Tumbling, Southern California Edison director of Philanthropy and Community Investment. “This assembly was a perfect opportunity to bring disaster preparedness awareness to children in our service territory.”