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 manmade 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
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.
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part of the Disaster Services team? |
