By Jack Reaney SENIOR EDITOR
The American Red Cross will host a one-hour session on Thursday, April 23 to inform residents on how to prepare for natural disasters, such as wildfire.
The “Be Red Cross Ready” event will be hosted at The Wilson Hotel starting at 3 p.m., and is free to attend with no registration needed. Instructor Winnie Lohof, Red Cross community disaster program manager for southwest Montana, said the purpose of the class is to teach residents to build a “go-bag” for evacuation, and to develop a communication plan with family members, neighbors and communities in general.
“I’m hoping that people will not only learn about that, but also create a larger conversation of the realities of what a disaster kind of looks like, but also how we will support our community members,” Lohof told EBS in a phone call. She believes the helpful nature of Montanans extends through disaster planning and response.
Lohof will stick around after the session to answer any questions, and hear from community members interested in volunteering with the Red Cross for various services, including disaster response.
“We respond to everything from home fires to wildfires, so it’s a great way to get involved with your community,” Lohof said.
The Big Sky Fire Department helped coordinate the April 23 event, and will attend the event to provide assistance or answer questions as needed.
“Given the access, topography, and wildfire risks within Big Sky, it just makes sense to assist partner agencies in providing community education when opportunities arise,” Chris Vigness, BSFD division chief of community risk reduction, stated in an email to EBS “These events help to strengthen the working relationship between agencies and contribute to a stronger and more resilient community.”
