The mission of American Red Cross
Disaster Services is to ensure nationwide disaster planning, preparedness,
community disaster education, mitigation, and response that will provide the
American people with quality services delivered in a uniform, consistent, and
responsive manner. The American Red Cross responds to disasters such as
hurricanes, floods, and fires, or other situations that cause human suffering or
create human needs that those affected cannot alleviate without assistance. It
is an independent, humanitarian, voluntary organization, not a government
agency. Your local chapter of the American Red Cross responds to over 80
single-family disasters per year in your community. We help victims of house
fires and other disasters with lodging, clothing and food as well as help them
on their road to recovery.
All Red Cross assistance is given free of charge, made possible by the
generous contribution of people's time, money, and skills.
Planning for Action
Long before a disaster strikes, the Red Cross plans what it will do. A
disaster response plan identifies what it will take to respond to various
disasters, what resources are needed, and how they will be coordinated and used.
As part of the planning process, Red Cross chapters also practice by
participating in drills and exercises. Such planning enables chapters to respond
efficiently and effectively.
Preparing to Respond
Every Red Cross chapter works continuously to be ready to respond by
coordinating and collaborating with its disaster partners.
As part of this process, chapters identify places to set up shelters and
service centers, make arrangements with vendors for needed supplies, and work
with local merchants.
The ability to respond also depends on having people who are trained and
ready. Each year the Red Cross trains thousands of people who can then provide
consistent, quality services to people affected by disasters.
Responding to
Disasters
When a disaster threatens or strikes, dedicated paid and volunteer staff in
over 1,000 communities around the country respond to the immediate needs of
their neighbors. They provide services to those affected to help them return to
independent living as soon as possible.
When a disaster exceeds the resources of the local Red Cross unit, the
nationwide network of people and material resources is activated.
This network of trained disaster workers is comprised of people from all
walks of life and all segments of the community, including youth and young
adults. They offer skills and bring their life experiences to help when needed.
Material resources--supplies, vehicles, communications equipment, etc.--are
strategically located around the United States, its territories and possessions,
and ready to move into a disaster-affected area at a moments notice.
Helping the Public
Stay Safe
The Red Cross is involved in helping individuals and families learn how to
get ready, stay safe, cope, and recover from disasters through Community
Disaster Education.
The more you know, the better you'll be able prepare for and deal with a
disaster, if it strikes.
