Northern Cheyenne tribal communities are now better prepared for disasters after receiving supplies that will help them respond to emergencies and maintain communications, even during a power outage.

In December, Montana Red Cross delivered three portable generators, three highly durable laptops and three mobile WiFi hotspots to its tribal partners.

"These items will allow for consistent communication during and after an emergency and allow our teams to communicate during search-and-rescue operations,” said Angel Lei, tribal disaster and emergency services coordinator. “These items guarantee that even if there is no power, the shelter and the Emergency Operations Center will always be powered. They will also help support building resiliency in the Northern Cheyenne community."

Montana’s tribal nations often partner with the Red Cross during disasters such as wildfires and flooding to make sure families’ most immediate needs like food and shelter are met.

“We are honored to deliver these emergency supplies to our tribal partners,” said Eric Allen, Red Cross disaster program manager for Eastern Montana. “In addition to these generators and laptops, funding from a generous supporter over the past few years has helped us deliver emergency shelter trailers and supplies to the Northern Cheyenne, Blackfeet and Crow nations and to the Fort Belknap Reservation. Disaster response is a statewide effort, and partnerships like these make our communities better prepared and more resilient.”

Powered by its volunteers and partners, Montana Red Cross responds to hundreds of disasters across the state each year. The humanitarian organization is currently recruiting more volunteers to help these efforts. Disaster Action Team members deliver food and shelter — and just as importantly — provide emotional support and a shoulder to lean on for those impacted.

Learn more about how you can get involved at redcross.org/volunteer.