FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
[Portland, ORE, July 25, 2024] — Residents of Oregon and SW Washington are in the middle of a busy wildfire season as the climate crisis threatens to upend more communities. The American Red Cross Cascades Region opened our first shelter in La Pine on June 25th due to the Darlene 3 Fire and we have not stopped since. We are currently operating in 4 different locations in our region plus we are helping support or neighboring Red Cross regions in Washington, Idaho and Montana.
“This is part of a nationwide trend where natural disasters are becoming more frequent and intense. In 2023, an estimated 2.5 million were forced from their homes by weather-related disasters— with more than a third displaced for longer than a month,” says Red Cross Cascades CEO Priscilla Fuentes.
The best defense in an emergency is to be prepared and the American Red Cross, Cascades Region advises everyone to get ready now.
PAY ATTENTION TO EVACUATION ORDERS:
Level 1-Be Ready
Level 2-Get Set
Level 3-Go Now
WHO ARE WE HELPING?
Everyone is welcome in our shelters, and we are hearing incredible stories like this one from Marc Berry. Read more HERE.
VOLUNTEER TODAY The Red Cross is seeking new volunteers who are team-oriented and want to make an immediate difference. Visit redcross.org/volunteertoday to sign up. Free online training will be provided.
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.