Red Cross offering free disaster preparedness classes 

The devastating winter storms our region experienced this year and the wildfires in 2020 serve as painful reminders that disasters can happen to anyone, anywhere, anytime – even during a pandemic.  

In honor of March being Red Cross Month, the Red Cross Cascades Region is hosting a series of free emergency preparedness presentations throughout the month. All presentations are virtual, and everyone is welcome to attend. 

The classes are being held from 6 to 7 p.m. every Tuesday in March, and cover the most common disasters we face in the Pacific Northwest and how to prepare for them.  

The Red Cross will offer a flooding safety class on March 23 and a home fire safety class on March 30. More information and links can be found at redcross.org/cascades. 

The Red Cross also is asking the public to help ensure that families don’t face emergencies alone — especially during a pandemic. Following are a few ways to help during Red Cross Month and throughout the year: 

• DONATE: Support disaster relief efforts at redcross.org/GivingDay. 
• VOLUNTEER: Visit redcross.org/VolunteerToday to view the organization’s most-needed positions and local opportunities. 
• GIVE BLOOD: If you’re healthy and feeling well, make an appointment at RedCrossBlood.org. Your donation can make a lifesaving difference for a patient in need. As a thank you, those who come to give blood, platelets or plasma from March 15-26 will receive a Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last. 

LEARN LIFESAVING SKILLS: Take a class in skills like CPR and first aid to help in an emergency at redcross.org/TakeAClass. Online options include our Psychological First Aid for COVID-19 course, which covers how to manage stress and support yourself and others.