Red Cross to host emergency preparedness workshop for flood zone residents

Volunteers wheel Red Cross blankets and supplies into Centennial Hall on Friday, Jan. 9, 2026. (Jasz Garrett / Juneau Independent file photo)

By Juneau Independent staff

The American Red Cross of Alaska is partnering with Southeast Alaska Independent Living and AARP Alaska to host a disaster preparedness planning workshop and resource fair on Sunday. 

A Red Cross Ready presentation will take place from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. virtually and at the Mendenhall Valley Public Library. A resource fair in person will follow the presentation until 3 p.m.

The workshop is intended to help prepare vulnerable populations in Juneau ahead of the upcoming release of Suicide Basin, which has the potential to cause significant flooding along the Mendenhall River. The most likely time with the current conditions to see a full basin is between Aug. 5 and 10, according to the National Weather Service Juneau’s Monday update. 

“Historically, the glacial lake outburst events occur in late July or early August,” a Red Cross press release states. “That is why the Red Cross is urging the community to learn about preparedness now and be ready in the event of a significant flooding event.”

The Red Cross plans to set up an emergency shelter at the Floyd Dryden Gymnasium again this year following a flood warning and evacuation notice. Residents can sign up for emergency alerts here.

During the workshop, participants can make an individualized preparedness plan, complete an emergency contact card, learn how to find information about evacuations and shelters and learn how to keep important documents safe. One-on-one guidance is available for older adults and individuals with access, functional or medical needs.

Registration for the workshop is available here. The Red Cross is encouraging participants to register in advance, but people may also attend the event regardless. Information for virtual attendance will be provided upon registration.

• Contact the Juneau Independent team at editor@juneauindependent.com.