Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680

AMERICAN FORK, Utah (May 11, 2024) — In a significant step toward strengthening community resilience, the Alpine School District has formally agreed to grant the American Red Cross of Utah access to its network of 84 schools for emergency sheltering purposes in one of the state’s most populous counties.

“We are proud to partner with the American Red Cross to make our facilities available in times of need,” said Eric Woodhouse, Executive Director of Operations for the Alpine School District. “Being a source of safety and comfort for our community members is the essence of what we do every day. Our facilities are well designed and well cared for. They are sites where kids and adults learn and connect every day. While we hope the need for an emergency shelter never arises, we are grateful for partners who help us stay prepared.”

The American Red Cross of Utah is ready to quickly set up emergency shelters after a disaster, with pre-established agreements and identified facilities that help expedite our response efforts. Benjamin Donner, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Central and Southern Utah Chapter, emphasized, “These agreements empower us to choose from a range of facilities to best serve those seeking assistance in the aftermath of emergencies.”

Pioneering Facility Utilization Agreement
This agreement between the Alpine School District and the Red Cross of Utah signifies the first formal arrangement enabling the use of elementary, middle and high schools across northern Utah County during crises. The Red Cross views these agreements as strategic partnerships geared toward aiding the community in times of need.

“Emergency shelters are typically needed for small groups of people, ranging from five to 20 people, following localized incidents such as apartment fires or flooding,” Donner said. “In typical local disasters, individuals and families can typically find alternative accommodations within 24 to 36 hours.”

In addition to the school district partnership, the Red Cross of Utah has established similar collaborative frameworks with other educational institutions, local authorities and religious organizations statewide. This includes the recent renewal of an agreement with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The recently signed Memorandum of Understanding with the Church, now in its fifth iteration since 2005, aims to improve disaster response coordination by streamlining efforts, designating church buildings as potential shelters and conducting joint training and drills to enhance preparedness.

Join the team
All sheltering is supported by trained Red Cross disaster workers, usually volunteers from within the community. After initial training, Red Cross disaster volunteers are prepared to respond to local emergencies, such as helping those displaced by home fires. With experience and additional training, volunteers can deploy to major emergencies or disasters in Utah and across the country. Explore more opportunities at redcross.org/DAT.

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 follow us on social media.