The mission of the American Red Cross Disaster Services is to ensure nationwide disaster planning, preparedness, community disaster education, mitigation, and response that will provide the American people with quality services delivered in a uniform, consistent, and responsive manner.  The American Red Cross responds to disaster such as hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, fires, or other situations that cause human suffering.

    Your American Red Cross of Central Alabama is working around the clock to be there when disaster strikes.  Over the past year alone, your Red Cross has helped 517 individuals affected by fire and 54 families affected by natural disasters. 

PLANNING TO RESPOND

    The American Red Cross of Central Alabama responds to local disasters such as single family residence or apartment fires, tornadoes, floods or other local situations that cause immediate human suffering.  Our goal is to help our clients rebuild their lives once the danger has passed.

    Long before a disaster strikes, the Red Cross plans what it will do.  A disaster response plan identifies:

• What it will take to respond to various disasters

• What resources are needed

• How they will be coordinated and used

As part of the planning, the Central Alabama Chapter practices and participates in drills and exercises.  Such planning and continuing education, enable us to respond more efficiently and effectively.

PREPARING TO RESPOND

    Every Red Cross chapter works continuously to be ready to respond by coordinating and collaborating with other local community based organizations.  As part of this process, we identify places to set up shelters and service centers, make arrangements with vendors for needed supplies, and work with local merchants.

    Our ability to respond also depends on having people who are trained and ready.  We offer free basic disaster training to new volunteers who can then provide consistent, quality services to people affected by disasters.

RESPONDING TO A DISASTER

    Last year, the American Red Cross responded to more than 65,000 disasters throughout the United States assisting families with their disaster caused emergency needs.  Your Central Alabama Chapter of the American Red Cross has responded to 168 disasters last year including: single family fires, multi-family fires, tornadoes, and flooding. Your Red Cross workers responded to disaster by providing emergency housing, clothing, food, personal hygiene items, replacement of medications and medical devices, as well as crisis counseling.

    These immediate needs are followed up by Red Cross volunteers to ensure the families physical and emotional recovery.  Additional services may include:

• Helping the families prepare their recovery plan

• Assisting families with rent, deposits, and utilities

• In disasters involving deaths, the Red Cross may assist the families with funeral expenses and memorial services.

    All Red Cross assistance is given free of charge, made possible by the generous contribution of time, skills and money from the people of our community. 

    Each year our area is a target for hurricanes, tornadoes, and flooding.  Working with the local Emergency Management team, the Red Cross opens shelters for those evacuated or displaced by a disaster. 

IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW NEEDS HELP . . .

Call the Central Alabama Chapter at (334) 260-3980.

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN BECOMING A DISASTER VOLUNTEER, CLICK HERE.