American Red Cross disaster responders are on the ground in the Northland, working side-by-side with community partners to provide comfort, connection and essential supplies to those affected by the wildfires.

Our team is supporting evacuation centers, including Fredenberg Community Center. They’re working closely with county emergency management to make sure people have a safe place to go and access to what they need during this difficult time. Red Cross shelter teams are on standby for providing emergency shelter for evacuees, if called to do so.

“A wildfire moves fast, creating unexpected dangerous conditions,” said Dan Williams, executive director of the American Red Cross serving Northern and Central Minnesota. “We ask that everyone in at-risk areas to stay alert and follow any evacuation instructions from local officials.”

In the face of increasing severe weather emergencies, we encourage everyone to prepare for emergencies, including wildfires. Have an evacuation plan as well as a go bag that includes food, water and medicine for household members, and plan to stay connected. Download our free Emergency App, which is all-inclusive with alerts and resources in English and Spanish. To download the app, search “American Red Cross” in app stores or go to redcross.org/apps.

HOW TO HELP

• Give to 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/mndaks, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767), or text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a donation.  
• Donations to help local wildfire relief and recovery can be made through the United Way of Northeastern Minnesota and the Head of the Lakes United Way. 

VOLUNTEERS
Volunteers are always needed for future disasters in this time of chronic severe weather emergencies. High need areas include:

• Disaster Action Team trainees who serve provide 24-hour, immediate support and assistance to individuals and families who have been impacted by a home fire or other local disaster. 
• Disaster Health Services responders who use their skills as licensed healthcare professionals to deliver hands-on care and education to disaster shelter residents. Examples include of qualified licenses include RN, LPN, LVN, EMT, Paramedic, MD, DO, PA, NP, and  APRN. 
• Disaster Shelter Volunteers who support the day-to-day activities within a shelter, which could include working in reception, registration, feeding, dormitory, information or other vital areas within a shelter. Apply today at RedCross.org/GiveTime.