ANCHORAGE (Dec. 3, 2018) - The Red Cross of Alaska has opened a new shelter in Anchorage this evening in conjunction with city officials, the Department of Health and Social Services and key non-profit and community partners.
A 7.0 magnitude earthquake centered about 9 miles outside of Anchorage struck Alaska at 8:29 am yesterday. Hundreds of aftershocks, including several greater than 5.0 magnitude, have occurred since the initial earth-quake. This is taking an emotional toll on people in the region and residents are on edge as they assess damage to homes and property. The Red Cross continues to mobilize volunteers in response to the earthquake, and will continue to do so until assistance is no longer needed.
SHELTERING
The Red Cross of Alaska has opened and will be operating an overnight emergency shelter and offering meals in the following location, in conjunction with community partners:
• Fairview Recreation Center (1121 E 10th Ave, Anchorage, AK 99501)
All in need of shelter are welcome. If people are able, here are some items to consider bringing:
• Bedding and blankets
• Clothing
• Medications
• Children’s toys
• Emergency kit
The Red Cross of Alaska has been on the ground since to earthquake occurred, providing comfort, shelter and support to those who need it most:
• On Friday night, 164 people spent the night in Red Cross shelters in Anchorage, Chugiak and Wasilla, which have been consolidated into the new Fairview Recreation Center facility in Anchorage.
• Many residents were able to return to their homes today as power and basic utilities were restored. The Red Coss was and is prepared to shelter and feed a larger population as the situation develops, if need-ed.
• More than 40 Red Cross of Alaska disaster workers have answered the call to support residents in the af-fected areas.
• Working with partners, the Red Cross has served more than 901 meals and snacks since the earthquake struck. We stand ready to assist our community as needed.
VOLUNTEERS
For those that are interested in assisting the relief efforts, they can visit redcross.org/Alaska to fill out a volunteer application and complete the required background check, so that they will be ready to get started as a volunteer as opportunities become available.
RECONNECTION
After a disaster, it’s critical for loved ones to reconnect. The Red Cross has two easy ways to help people connect with family and friends. Red Cross mobile apps feature an “I’m Safe” button that helps users post a message to their social accounts, letting loved ones know they are out of harm’s way. The Red Cross also offers the Safe and Well website which is a secure and easy-to-use online tool accessible through redcross.org. To download the free Red Cross Emergency App, they can search for ‘American Red Cross’ in their mobile phone app store.
DONATIONS
We know Alaskans are generous and want to do everything they can to help after a disaster. Unfortunately, col-lecting and sending food, clothing and other household items is often not helpful for either a disaster operation or for the intended recipients. Instead, the best way to support disaster victims is with a financial donation. Each disaster is unique and so are the needs of affected residents. Financial donations are the quickest and best way to get help to the people who need it most. If you’d like to make a donation to American Red Cross Disaster Relief, please visit redcross.org/Alaska.
For additional resources and periodic updates, please follow the Red Cross of Alaska on social media:
Twitter: @redcrossak
Facebook: @AlaskaRedCross
Website: redcross.org/Alaska
About the American Red Cross of Alaska:
In FY18, the American Red Cross of Alaska offered food, shelter, comfort and hope to 892 Alaskans. We re-sponded to 308 disasters. Our preparedness/Health and Safety teams installed 2,309 smoke alarms statewide and educated 1,722 youth through The Pillowcase Project. Additionally, our Service to the Armed Forces staff exchanged 1,161 emergency messages for U.S. military service personnel and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of donors to provide aid to those that have been affected by disaster.
