GREAT FALLS, Mont. (NMB) – With the National Interagency Fire Center Forecasting an above-average wildfire season across Montana this summer, the American Red Cross is urging families to take simple steps now that will keep them safe later.
There are four simple steps to take to be prepared:
- Create an evacuation plan: Plan what to do in case you are separated from your family during an emergency and if you have to evacuate. Coordinate your plan with your child’s school, your work and your community’s emergency plans. Plan multiple routes to local shelters, register family members with special medical needs as required and make plans for pets.
- Build an emergency kit with a gallon of water per person per day, nonperishable food, a flashlight, battery-powered radio, first aid kit, medications, supplies for an infant or pets, a multi-purpose tool, personal hygiene items, copies of important papers, cell phone chargers, extra cash, blankets, local maps and emergency contact information
- Be informed: Find out how local officials will contact you during a wildfire emergency and how you will get important information such as evacuation orders
- Download the free Red Cross Emergency app to help keep your family safe with real-time alerts, information about Red Cross shelters and safety advice on wildfires and other emergencies.
The Montana Red Cross responds to hundreds of disasters every year, including wildfires. Last year, Red Cross responders provided over 220 overnight shelter stays to Montana families displaced by wildfires and served more than 600 meals and snacks.
To request Red Cross assistance during a disaster, call 800-272-6668. Red Cross services are free and available to all.
