American Red Cross Continues Relief Efforts in Idaho and Montana

Boise, ID, August 16, 2015—The American Red Cross of Idaho and Montana continues to provide Disaster relief to the evacuees of major wildfires across our region. The Red Cross is providing food, water, shelter, needed supplies, emotional support and other assistance to people forced from their homes by the fires.

"Financial contributions are the best way to help the most people as the Red Cross is responding to many wildfires across the region,” says Nicole Sirak-Irwin, Regional CEO of the American Red Cross of Idaho and Montana. “Financial donations allow us to purchase relief supplies closest to disaster sites, which accelerates service delivery and reduces transportation costs. Also, because affected areas may be experiencing significant economic loss, purchasing relief supplies in or close to the disaster site also helps to stimulate the weakened local economy."

To make a donation in  Montana, please visit www.redcross.org/montana or call 1-800-ARC-MONT (1-800-272-6668). Contributions may also be sent to American Red Cross of Montana, 1300 28^th Street South, Great Falls, MT 59405.

 Updated information on our SHELTERS & RESPITE CENTER

• ·         Sucker Creek Fire, Lewis & Clark County, Montana

The Red Cross has closed the shelter at Lincoln High School in Lincoln, MT. Equipment and supplies remain in the area and local teams remain on alert.

• ·         CROW RESERVATION, Big Horn County, Montana

At the request of tribal emergency management, Red Cross disaster teams and several shelters remain on standby should severe weather cause the evacuation of Crow Fair visitors and local residents.

Red Cross Emergency Apps

People can download the Red Cross Wildfire and First Aid apps. The free apps put expert advice and checklists at everybody’s fingertips. They are available for direct download from the Apple or Google Play for Android app stores or at http://www.redcross.org/prepare/mobile-apps.

• The Red Cross Emergency App will walk you through all the steps you need to take to prepare to evacuate. It also has helpful tools like an alarm, a strobe light and flashlight and a quick way to let loved ones know you are safe.
• The Red Cross Wildfire App has information specific to wildfires.
• The Red Cross Shelter app will tell you where our open shelters are.
• The Red Cross First Aid app will help you deliver first aid to people who are injured.

 Safe & Well

 People who have been affected by a disaster can register themselves on the Red Cross Safe & Well website at redcross.org/safeandwell, to let their family and friends know that they are OK. They can also call 1-866-GET-INFO to register.

Disaster Distress Helpline

Anyone who is experiencing distress as a result of a disaster like a wildfire can contact the Disaster Distress Helpline. Stress, anxiety, and other depression-like symptoms are common reactions after a disaster. Call 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746 to connect with a trained crisis counselor.

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.