The Mt. Baker Red Cross has received a grant of $3,000 from the Burlington Northern Santa Fe  Foundation. The money will be used for the chapter’s disaster preparedness program for at-risk communities.

The program helps communities that may become isolated during major flooding or other disasters. Fifteen communities in Whatcom and Skagit counties have been identified by the chapter, such as Glacier and Concrete.

Red Cross volunteers train community leaders to set up and maintain shelters, with shelter kits provided by the program containing first aid supplies, cots, blankets, and other essential items.

“Flood waters and mudslides often damage roadways and make them impassable for emergency vehicles,” said Stacy Rice, emergency services director for the Mt. Baker Chapter, in a press release. “Our goal is to train and supply these specific communities so that they are able to self-sustain until more help arrives.”

For more information about the disaster preparedness program, call Stacy Rice at (360) 733-3290 ext. 1019 or visit www.mtbredcross.org.