FAIRBANKS, May 17,2023 — The American Red Cross of Alaska has initiated a disaster response to assist the communities impacted by the recent Spring breakup floods. The organization is working to establish operations in three communities with that currently sustained the most damage, Circle, Crooked Creek, and Glennallen.

The Red Cross is working to distribute emergency supplies, including water and cleanup kits, to community members in need. Volunteers will also be assessing individual homes that sustained damage and providing emergency financial assistance. The distribution of emergency supplies and damage assessment has begun in Glennallen, and operations will begin in two other communities within the week. Currently, communities are assessing the need for sheltering operations, and the Red Cross is prepared to support these established shelters.

If an individual needs assistance from the Red Cross, they can call 1-800-RED-CROSS to connect with a dispatcher.

How to help:

Please click, text or call to donate to the Red Cross. Your gift is a commitment to helping people affected by disasters big and small. Every single donation will make a difference in someone’s life.

• You can help people affected by disasters like the 2023 Spring floods and countless other crises by making a donation to support Red Cross Disaster Relief.
• Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small.
• Visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
• For those interested in helping people specifically affected by the recent flooding, we ask that they write “2023 Alaska Floods” in the memo line of a check and mail it with a completed donation form to the address on the form or to their local Red Cross chapter. Find the donation form at redcross.org/donate.

Safety Tips:

• Turn around, don’t drown! Stay off the roads. If you must drive and you encounter a flooded roadway, turn around and go another way.
• Tune into your local radio, NOAA radio or news channel for the latest updates.
• Stay away from floodwaters. Beware of snakes, insects and other animals that may be in or around floodwaters and your home.
• Wear protective clothing, including rubber gloves and boots, and be cautious when cleaning up.
• Check the outside of your home before you enter. Look for loose power lines, broken or damaged gas lines, foundation cracks, missing support beams and other damage.
• Download the free Red Cross Emergency app for real-time weather alerts, open Red
• Cross shelter locations and expert advice on floods.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.