About Disaster Services 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.

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.

All assistance is given on an individual basis and is based on the verified disaster-related needs.  All Red Cross disaster relief assistance 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.

News of Interest

Fires can be a problem at any time of year. What can you do to keep yourself and your family safe? Here are some tips from the American Red Cross.

Make Your Home Fire Safe
* Smoke alarms save lives. Install a smoke alarm outside each sleeping area and on each additional level of your home.
         If people sleep with doors closed, install smoke alarms inside sleeping areas, too.
* Use the test button to check each smoke alarm once a month. When necessary, replace batteries immediately. Replace all batteries at least once a year.
* Vacuum away cobwebs and dust from your smoke alarms monthly.
* Smoke alarms become less sensitive over time. Replace your smoke alarms every ten years.
* Consider having one or more working fire extinguishers in your home. Get training from the fire department in how to use them.
* Consider installing an automatic fire sprinkler system in your home.

Plan Your Escape Routes
* Determine at least two ways to escape from every room of your home.
* Consider escape ladders for sleeping areas on the second or third floor. Learn how to use them and store them near the window.
* Select a location outside your home where everyone would meet after escaping.
* Practice your escape plan at least twice a year.

Escape Safely
* Once you are out, stay out! Call the fire department from a neighbor's home.
* If you see smoke or fire in your first escape route, use your second way out. If you must exit through smoke, crawl low under the smoke to your exit.
* If you are escaping through a closed door, feel the door before opening it. If it is warm, use your second way out.
* If smoke, heat, or flames block your exit routes, stay in the room with the door closed. Signal for help using a bright-colored cloth at the window.
         If there is a telephone in the room, call the fire department and tell them where you are.
 
    For more information on Preparing Your Family For a Disaster, click here.

Being safe in a disaster is all about being prepared. For more information on preparing your family for a disaster, visit our Safety Tips section, or call us at (318) 865-9545.