Latest Red Cross Media Advisory

Contact: Public Information Officer

Disaster Public Affairs – Washington Wildfires

Phone:202-834-7865

Email:DR717-16PA1@redcross.org

Media Advisory – Update

Red Cross Role in Disaster Shifts to Recovery Phase

Time Tested Three – Phase Approach to Disasters Involves Preparedness, Response and Recovery

Wenatchee, WA. Sunday – September 6, 2015 – As the wildfires in the region continue to run their course, the Red Cross is beginning to shift focus to that of recovery. When the Red Cross shifts from response phase to recovery phase, you may see less Red Cross vehicles and Red Cross volunteers in your area. That’s because they’re being moved to new areas of concentration which may include the clean up and storage phase.

During the shift to recovery phase, Red Cross volunteers will be talking to area residents affected by the fires by opening client files. Those Client Casework volunteers will then have contact and a relationship with those residents, and will be available to them and offer them support and guidance as the residents begin to get back on their feet. Client Caseworkers are going into areas that the fire affected and looking for people whose homes were lost or damaged, and offering care and guidance. Client Casework will continue as we move through the coming weeks and months if necessary.

When a disaster strikes, the Red Cross immediately begins to identify local community partners who will take over the long term recovery in the weeks and months following a disaster. Those local organizations take over supporting the community moving forward with Red Cross support in various ways. As time goes on, Red Cross shelters will close, and vehicles may be harder to spot, but Red Cross volunteers stay in the community and help people who need disaster recovery. During the recovery phase, the Red Cross really shifts from a lead role to that of supporting local organizations that would naturally support long term recovery in their communities.

Is the Red Cross leaving? – No, the Red Cross doesn’t leave. In fact, Red Cross volunteers are scattered throughout the Northwest Region to continue to respond to the disasters, usually home fires, which occur every day. But as the disaster response turns to disaster recovery, the Red Cross steps back and local organizations take the lead with Red Cross support. That support can come in a variety of ways – from people power, to money raised during the disaster to continue support. Red Cross works while the disaster is happening to identify those organizations who will take over the work once we move to another disaster so that the local community will support itself.

What if the fires start to grow again? – The Northwest Region of the American Red Cross encompasses virtually the entire state of Washington and parts of Idaho. Within that region are hundreds of volunteers and assets like shelter supplies, vehicles and feeding options that can mobilize if the situation begins to shift or change. Our large capacity allows us to move swiftly if Red Cross operations need to ramp up again in any given area. And the Red Cross volunteers in communities across Washington and Idaho allow us to monitor and respond when needed. That network also supports the disasters that occur every day in our communities, like home fires.

I don’t see Red Cross vehicles or shelters anymore in my town. How can I get help? – The Northwest Region of the American Red Cross covers nearly the entire state of Washington and a part of Idaho. Local volunteers monitor and respond to local disasters, most usually home fires, almost every single day in the communities throughout the region. Red Cross ensures, through location and training of volunteers, that anyone needing disaster assistance can get it. If you or someone you know have been impacted by the wildfires, please call the following numbers depending on your location:

• Central WA/Chelan area: 509-670-5331 (Chelan, Douglas, Okanogan Counties)
• Eastern WA/Spokane area: 509-496-3448 (Ferry and Stevens Counties)

Red Cross Wildfire Response Information

Anyone impacted by the fires who have not received assistance can call:

• Central WA/Chelan area: 509-670-5331 (Chelan, Douglas, Okanogan Counties)
• Eastern WA/Spokane area: 509-496-3448 (Ferry and Stevens Counties)

For other, non-wildfire related Red Cross inquiries please call the local Red Cross office:

• Wenatchee office: 509-663-3907
• Spokane office: 509-326-3330

Red Cross Medical and Emotional Support Continues:

Teams of Red Cross nurses, disaster mental health professionals and client services caseworkers will continue to provide mobile support in rural locations across the fire affected areas. Anyone needing medical, emotional or financial support should call the Client Casework phone number in the following areas:

• Central WA/Chelan area: 509-670-5331 (Chelan, Douglas, Okanogan Counties)
• Eastern WA/Spokane area: 509-496-3448 (Ferry and Stevens Counties)

Your Financial Support Allowed Us to Respond to This Disaster Quickly:

If you’d like to donate to the American Red Cross, please go to and share this link.

Red Cross encourages people to always be Red Cross Ready and follow three steps to preparedness:

1. Make a 72 hour kit.
2. Make A Plan
3. Stay Informed about wildfire conditions and evacuation notices.

The Red Cross mobile app, Emergency, offers important information that will help before, during and after a disaster. Download the app at www.redcross.org/mobileapps or from your preferred app provider. For more preparedness information go to www.redcross.org/prepare.