Montana Red Cross offers training in Lewistown for those interested in helping after home fires, other disasters

Montana Red Cross is offering training in Lewistown on Dec. 9 and 10 for community members interested in helping their neighbors during local disasters and emergencies.

The two-day event takes place from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Central Montana Church of Christ, 506 W. Main St., and will equip volunteers with the skills needed to respond to local disasters and provide comfort, care and essential support to families during their most challenging times. The training is open to anyone interested in getting involved with Red Cross for the first time.

“More than 90 percent of our workforce are volunteers, and during a disaster, it’s these volunteers who deliver help and hope when our communities need it most,” said Shellie Creveling, Red Cross community disaster program manager for Northwestern Montana. “As we transition into winter and see more home fires, it’s important that we have the people in place who are ready to lend a helping hand to neighbors and loved ones.”

Red Cross responds to hundreds of disasters across the state each year, the most common of which are home fires. Red Cross and its partners opened more than 20 wildfire shelters in Montana, Idaho and East Oregon this summer alone. Besides responding to disasters, Red Cross volunteers also support service members and their families and teach schoolchildren how to be ready for an emergency.

To register for the Dec. 9th and 10th training session or for more information, email [email protected].

If you are interested in volunteering with the Red Cross but are unable to attend this training, please visit redcross.org/volunteer to learn more.