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.

Red Cross disaster relief focuses on meeting the immediate emergency needs of people affected by disaster.  When a disaster threatens or strikes, the Red Cross provides shelter, food, and health and mental health services to address basic human needs.

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 provides to victims of disasters what they need most, such as groceries, clothing, shelter, basic household items, medicines, and occupational tools.  The Red Cross also helps 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.