Each year, the American Red Cross responds to more than 66,000 disasters -- home fires, hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, earthquakes, hazardous material spills, explosions and other natural and man-made disasters. And the number of disasters has increased steadily over the past five years.
Thought not a government agency, the American Red Cross authority to perform disaster services was formalized when the Red Cross was chartered by Congress in 1900 to mitigate the suffering caused by disasters. The organization s prompt action is clearly expected by the public.
Whatever the cause, disasters are catastrophic for the victims. Whether the disaster is a house fire that affects one family, or a flood that affects hundreds of people, the Red Cross provides immediate help during times of crisis. Every 36 hours, we are called to assist children and families who have lost their home to a house fire, flood, or other devastation. These families seek the Red Cross in their time of need.
Red Cross disaster relief focuses on meeting the immediate emergency needs of the people affected by disaster. 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 theyroviding 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. In addition, we handle inquires from concerned family members outside of the disaster area and help those affected by disaster to find other available resources. The Red Cross also helps those in need of long-term recovery assistance when all other resources, such as insurance benefits and government assistance, are not available or are inadequate to complete the recovery process.
They come to us, often with only the clothes on their backs seeking a caring person. In return, our Disaster workers provide access to comfort kits for personal hygiene, emergency shelter, food, clothing, and/or other appropriate financial assistance. In essence, we help them begin anew.
But that s not all. Above all else, our employees and volunteers provide a special touch that is never forgotten. For when children and families are in need, we provide a shoulder to lean on, a person to cry with, toys for children to play with, and a sense of hope and dignity… the very kind of assistance that helps families to develop a plan to get back on their feet again.
All assistance is given on an individual basis and is based on the verified disaster-related needs. Red Cross disaster relief assistance is provided free of charge as a gift from the American people, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. It is made possible by generous voluntary gifts of time, money and skills from people like you.
Thank You!
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.To learn more about preparing you and your family for disaster, visit our Preparedness page.
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