A press release from the Red Cross:
Wasilla, Alaska, Dec. 06, 2025 — The American Red Cross of Alaska is supporting a shelter that will be open tonight at 10:00 p.m. due to multiple emergencies happening in the Mat-Su Valley. The shelter is located at the Glenn Massay Theater at Matanuska-Susitna College (8295 College Dr, Palmer, AK 99645).
Multi-Family Home Fire
Disaster Action Team volunteers with the American Red Cross of Alaska were alerted to a multi-family home fire in Wasilla near Willow St. Initial reports indicate that five households were impacted by this fire. Anyone impacted by this fire may seek shelter and other Red Cross services at the Mat-Su College shelter location.
Windstorm
The National Weather Service issued a high wind warning for the Upper Matanuska Valley, including the cities of Chickaloon, Sutton, Big Lake, Wasilla, and Palmer. The shelter located at Mat-Su College is open and available to anyone without power who needs to stay overnight or needs a place to warm up and access to power.
What to expect at a shelter
Red Cross emergency shelters are a safe place and act as a hub for help. Anyone affected is welcome to stop by for a hot meal, to charge their phone, and get other support. We don’t ask for identification, and you don’t have to stay overnight.
- Some helpful items to bring to a shelter include medication, clothing, hygiene items, baby essentials, and any comfort items.
- When you arrive at a Red Cross shelter, you’ll be asked to register and provide some basic information, plus share any specific needs you may have during your stay.
- Next, you’ll be assigned a specific cot, learn about mealtimes and other available services, and rules. If you have a pet or service animal, we’ll help you to get them situated as comfortably as possible.
- Disaster health volunteers can assist with minor injuries and replace lost items like eyeglasses and medications. Plus, you’ll have access to emotional support, as we know this can be a difficult time for many.
- Find open disaster shelter and support locations on redcross.org, the free Red Cross Emergency app or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
From the Mat-Su Sentinel:
A shelter was also open at the Ya Ne Dah Ah School in Sutton, officials with the Chickaloon Village Traditional Council said in a Facebook post.
Officials at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson said the base hotel was available as an emergency shelter Saturday to individuals with base access, on a space-available basis.