First session is Tuesday in Eureka, with additional trainings this week in Richfield, Panguitch and Moab to help residents learn how to open and run a Red Cross emergency shelter.
By Keith Paul, American Red Cross Utah/Nevada Region
As wildfires continue to threaten communities across the state, the American Red Cross of Utah is offering four emergency shelter training sessions this week to help residents learn how to open and manage a Red Cross emergency shelter when disasters strike.
The first training will be held Tuesday, July 7, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Eureka City Hall, followed by sessions in Richfield, Panguitch and Moab later in the week. The free, hands-on training will show how Red Cross shelters operate, including registration, feeding, dormitory management and maintaining a safe, welcoming environment. To learn more or sign up, visit https://rdcrss.org/4eQo5EM.
“During a wildfire or other major disaster, shelters can open with very little notice, and local volunteers are essential to making sure families have a safe place to go,” said Benjamin Donner, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Central and Southern Utah Chapter. “These trainings are designed to help people step into that role and be ready to support their neighbors when it matters most.”
Preparing Communities Before Disaster Strikes
The trainings come after Red Cross volunteers opened several shelters in recent weeks as wildfires forced people from their homes. The Red Cross continues to work with emergency managers, first responders and local partners to support people displaced by the wildfires. By training more local volunteers now, the Red Cross of Utah is helping communities strengthen their ability to respond quickly and support residents during emergencies.
Emergency Shelter Training Schedule
Eureka
Tuesday, July 7 | 6-9 p.m.
Eureka City Hall, 15 N. Church St., Eureka
Richfield
Thursday, July 9 | 1-4 p.m.
Sevier County EMS Main Station, 55 W. View Dr., Richfield
Panguitch
Friday, July 10 | 1-4 p.m.
Triple C Arena, 800 N. Main St., Panguitch
Moab
Saturday, July 11 | 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Grand County Planning & Zoning Department, 59 N 200 E, Moab
Utah Wildfires Continue to Strain Communities
Utah’s wildfire season has already brought dangerous conditions across the state, with 405 fires burning more than 350,000 acres so far this year. Fueled by drought, low snowpack, dry vegetation and wind, the fires have spread quickly, prompted evacuations in several communities and placed added pressure on wildland firefighters working to protect lives, homes and public lands.
The Babylon Fire in San Juan County is Utah’s largest uncontained wildfire, burning more than 90,000 acres southwest of Monticello. The fire has led to closures across southeastern Utah, including the Monticello Ranger District of the Manti-La Sal National Forest and the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park.
Become a Red Cross Disaster Volunteer
Red Cross disaster volunteers help people during emergencies by supporting shelters, responding to home fires and providing immediate assistance. With additional training and experience, disaster volunteers may have opportunities to deploy to larger relief operations across the country. Red Cross volunteers also support blood drives, assist military families and help communities prepare for emergencies.
To learn more about volunteer opportunities, visit redcross.org/volunteer.