Montana Red Cross offers free disaster training

Montana Red Cross is offering in-person training in Polson on Saturday, Oct. 25, for those interested in supporting their communities during emergencies such as home fires, wildfires and other disasters.

The free training will run from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Polson Rural Fire District Station, 25b Regatta Road, and is open to residents of Lake, Lincoln and Flathead counties.

Participants will learn how to provide comfort, care and critical assistance to families affected by local disasters. Breakfast, lunch and snacks will be provided.

“When disaster strikes, it’s the volunteers who are there first — offering a warm blanket, a hot meal or simply a listening ear,” said Shellie Creveling, Red Cross community disaster program manager for Northwest Montana. “Volunteers are the heart of our mission, and Red Cross couldn’t do this work without them. That’s why we’re encouraging more people to step forward and join our team.”

Each year, the Red Cross responds to hundreds of disasters across Montana — most commonly home fires. Volunteers play a vital role in meeting families’ immediate needs, such as food, shelter and emotional support. During larger-scale events like wildfires, the Red Cross also opens emergency shelters and coordinates broader relief efforts.

To register for the training and complete a Red Cross volunteer application, visit volunteerconnection.redcross.org.

If you have questions, need more information or would like to pursue a different Red Cross volunteer opportunity, email [email protected].