ANCHORAGE, AK, August 18, 2019 — The American Red Cross of Alaska has been on the ground across the state this weekend, providing comfort, meals, shelter and other support to residents affected by the fires burning in the Matanuska-Susitna
Borough and the Kenai Peninsula Borough, as well as to those affected by flooding along the Chena River in the Fairbanks North Star Borough. 

MCKINLEY FIRE

The Red Cross shelter at the Willow Community Center is closing. Effective 8 p.m. today, those affected and in need of assistance on the south side of the McKinley Fire are encouraged to
transition to the new Red Cross overnight shelter at the Curtis D. Menard Memorial Sports Center (1001 S Clapp St, Wasilla, AK 99654).

The Red Cross shelter at the Upper Susitna Senior Center (16463 Helena Dr, Talkeetna, AK 99676) remains open for those affected to the north of the McKinley Fire.

SWAN LAKE FIRE

The Red Cross has opened an emergency overnight shelter at Soldotna Regional Sports Complex (538 Arena Ave #8200, Soldotna, AK 99669) to assist those affected by the Swan Lake Fire.

Everyone in need of shelter, food or information as a result of the Swan Lake Fire and the resulting closure of the Sterling Highway are welcome, and the shelter will remain open until further notice.

CHENA RIVER FLOOD

The Red Cross responded to provide comfort and resources to
six residents whose homes were affected by flooding along the Chena River yesterday. The Red Cross provided immediate financial assistance and referrals for community resources to two individuals, as well as clean-up kits containing items like sponges, gloves, mops and cleaning supplies for use after the flood waters
recede. In addition, community referrals were provided to a family of four whose recreational home was also affected. 

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

The American Red Cross Emergency App can help keep you and your loved ones safe by putting vital information in your hands for more than 35 different severe weather and emergency alerts, including emergency shelter locations during wildfires, floods and other disaster both big and small. Download the app by searching for ‘American Red Cross’ in your mobile phone app store, texting GETEMERGENCY to 90999, or by visiting redcross.org/apps.

For wildfire preparedness information and safety tips on what actions you can take before, during and after a fire has affected your area, visit the Red Cross of Alaska blog. 

For periodic updates on the Red Cross response to these disasters, please follow the Red Cross of Alaska on social media:

Twitter: @redcrossak

Facebook: @AlaskaRedCross

About the American Red Cross of Alaska:

In Fiscal Year 2019, the American Red Cross of Alaska responded to 435 disasters by offering food, shelter, relief supplies, comfort, hope and recovery services to 1,096 Alaskans in 50 communities statewide. Our preparedness teams installed 2,171 free smoke alarms and educated 1,409 youth through The Pillowcase Project. Our Training Services department enrolled 19,665 students in first aid/CPR/AED, aquatics and caregiving classes. Our Service to the Armed Forces staff exchanged 1,299 emergency messages for U.S. military service personnel and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. In Fiscal Year 2019, our statewide workforce of 729 volunteers logged 40,735 hours in service to our mission and their fellow Alaskans. For more information, please visit redcross.org/Alaska or visit us on Twitter at @redcrossak.

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