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Background
Each year, the American Red Cross responds to more than 60,000 disasters-house or apartment fires (the majority of disasters), hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, tornadoes, hazardous materials spills, transportation accidents, explosions, and other natural and man-made disasters. Red Cross chapters also work in their communities to help the public prepare for and cope with disasters. The Red Cross provides information to help people plan and prepare for specific types of disasters, prevent injuries, save lives, and reduce the loss of property. Disaster Relief
In addition to these services, the core of Red Cross disaster relief activities is the assistance given to individuals and families affected by disaster. This assistance enables victims of disasters to resume living independently by providing the means to pay for what they need most, such as groceries, new clothing, temporary housing, emergency home repairs, transportation, basic household items, medicines, and occupational tools. The Red Cross also help those needing long-term recovery assistance when all other resources, such as insurance benefits and government assistance, are not available or are inadequate. The Red Cross also handles inquiries from concerned family members outside the disaster area, provides blood and blood products to disaster victims, and helps those affected by disaster to find other resources. All Red Cross disaster relief is provided free of charge as a gift from the American people. It is made possible by generous contributions of people's time, money, and skills. Call your local Red Cross chapter to become a trained Red Cross disaster volunteer. For more
information, contact your local |
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