Islands Red Cross chapter, headquartered here, has had a dozen volunteers in Oso and Darrington and as of Wednesday morning, has 7 volunteers there, according to chapter Executive Director Mike Stamper. He told Anacortes Now that they are helping staff 2 shelters and helping feed victims, as well as other volunteers. He said they have served more than 2,000 meals.
Stamper said Red Cross crews from across the western US are in Snohomish County helping. In addition to serving meals, the Red Cross is staffing shelters at Post Middle School, 1220 East 5th Street in Arlington and the Darrington Community Center, 1115 Seeman Street in Darrington. The Darrington shelter is more of a respite center for crews needing a break, he said, while the Arlington shelter is a full-time shelter. As many as 30 people have been staying at the Arlington shelter.
Stamper mentioned that the Red Cross also runs a Safe & Well program where victims and families of victims can register and post messages to help keep each other and friends up to date on their status. Red Cross mental health staff are on hand.
The Shell refinery at March Point has donated $2,500 in gas cards to the Island Red Cross.
Anacortes Fire Chief Richard Curtis said no crews from Anacortes are at the scene, but fire districts up river have sent crews to aid in the search for survivors and recovery of bodies
The Stillaguamish River remains blocked with debris from the mudslide and there is a concern that flooding could occur if the blockage gives way. The Red Cross has shelters standing by in case they are needed. Residents living near where flooding is possible should download the free Red Cross Flood App to receive flood and flash flood watches and warnings.
The app also features a flashlight, strobe light and audible alarm to let others know where the user is. The flood app will also tell the user where Red Cross shelters are and offers a one-touch “I’m safe” message to let friends and family know the user is out of harm’s way.
Want to help? Right now, the Red Cross says it has what it needs to support this event both financially and with relief supplies.
If you’re looking for more information, check the #530slide Twitter feed or the Snohomish County Web page dedicated to 530 slide news & resources.
Image: NASA Earth Observatory image by Jesse Allen, using Landsat data from the U.S. Geological Survey