Emergency & Disaster Services
Since 1881, people have turned to the American Red Cross for help in times of crisis. Today, some one million trained and dedicated volunteers, along with Red Cross employees, help people across the country prevent, prepare for and respond to disasters. Whether the disaster is a single-family fire or a hurricane that affects thousands of families, the Red Cross is there to help. The Piedmont Carolina Chapter, serving Alamance and Caswell Counties, responded to more than 50 local disasters last year. Nearly all of these responses were house fires affecting only one family.
When a family suffers from a major disaster, the chapter provides 24-hour service to meet their immediate post-disaster needs – including shelter, food, clothing, and hygiene items. After completing an interview with the client, Disaster Action Team (DAT) members provide an appropriate amount of financial assistance based on our National standards and guidelines. The Red Cross can also refer clients to other local agencies that assist with other needs, such as furniture, housing, and additional clothing and food. The Chapter strives to be advocates for clients and to be partners in the recovery process.
When large disasters strike – such as ice storms, hurricanes, or tornadoes – the Red Cross takes a primary role in disaster response. The chapter works closely with government agencies and other volunteer organizations to operate shelters, prepare food, collect information about damage to homes in the area, and ensure that accurate information is shared with the public about Red Cross services. Courses are offered at the Chapter as well as surrounding chapters so that volunteers are qualified and trained for these various activities. Whatever your skills or interest may be, you can play a vital role in your community’s recovery following a disaster. By enrolling in the Disaster Services Human Resources system, you might be able to assist with disaster relief efforts across the country as well. Your service can make a large difference in the lives of others inside and outside of your community.
Service to the Armed Forces
With the American Red Cross, You are never out of touch…around the clock…around the world.
During times of mobilization and deployment…
No one ever said that being in the Reserve, National Guard or any other community based- military position was going to be easy for you- or your family. Military life, in fact, often creates unforeseen hardships. The good news is that the American Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces helps community- based military members and their families cope with separation and other special needs related to service in the armed forces.
…We’ll be there.
As a community- based military man or women, you and your family are entitled to the same valuable Red Cross emergency services as full- time active duty military personnel. We’re always there to help you:
- Stay in touch with loved ones. Our Red Cross worldwide emergency communication network operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We can help you or your family send emergency messages regarding the death or serious illness of a family member, the birth of a child or other family emergencies.
- Get verification of emergency leave information. The Red Cross can provide you and your commander with fast, reliable information to help make decisions regarding emergency leaves, deferments, compassionate reassignments and dependency discharges.
- Secure emergency financial assistance. The Red Cross collaborates with the military aid societies in providing financial assistance when an urgent personal or family crisis arises- that is, when you might need financial assistance for emergency travel, burial of a loved one or urgent health and welfare needs such as food and shelter.
- Obtain counseling, information, referrals and other social needs. In addition to having Red Cross workers available to you for confidential problem solving, as a community- based military member you also are entitled to a variety of health and supportive services from the military and other sources. The Red Cross can help you understand these referrals and government benefits.
- Receive veterans services to which you are entitled. The Red Cross represents veterans and their families who seek compensation awards from the department of veterans’ affairs. Red Cross volunteers also serve hospitalized veterans at VA medical centers.
- Find disaster assistance, health and safety and HIV/AIDS education and volunteer opportunities. The Red Cross provides assistance in times of disaster and offers you and your family health and safety training and volunteer opportunities.
You’re an integral part of the military family. Consider us, the Red Cross, a close relative who’s just a phone call away.
Get to know us before you need us by contacting any of our offices in Red Cross chapters and on military installations all over the world.
