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Disaster Relief
Most people are aware of how the American Red Cross assists in times of major disasters such as earthquakes, hurricanes, and tornadoes because we read about them in the newspapers and follow them on television. What we do not notice are the local disasters that happen right here in our own backyards.
Single-family Disasters
Single-home fires are the most frequent local disasters. Every day, fires
leave families homeless and devastated. Every year, trained American Red Cross
disaster workers help more than 100 Summit County families recover from fires.
When a fire occurs, Red Cross Disaster Action Teams are there providing victims with emergency food, clothing, shelter,
medical care and supplies.
Major Disasters
The American Red Cross
of Summit and Portage Counites also provides relief to major disasters.
When there is flooding, a tornado or any man-made or natural disaster that might
cause emergency needs for local residents, the Red Cross is ready to provide
assistance. On both local and national levels, assistance may take the form of
opening a shelter, providing meals or drinks for disaster victims and emergency
workers, as well as the immediate emergency need for clothing, eyeglasses and
prescription drugs.
Disaster Education & Prevention
The
best way to handle an emergency is to be prepared for it. That is why in
non-emergency times, the American Red Cross focuses on educating the people of
Summit and Portage counties about disaster preparedness. This is done through
educational programs with schools, health fairs, community groups, businesses
and others who request information to make their employees or members safer in
times of disaster. The Red Cross has educational programs targeted for school
children, adults and Spanish-speaking populations.
Devastating acts,
such as the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, have
left many concerned about the possibility of future incidents in the United
States and their potential impact. They have raised uncertainty about what might
happen next, increasing stress levels. Nevertheless, there are things you can do
to prepare for the unexpected and reduce the stress that you may feel now and
later should another emergency arise. Taking preparatory action can reassure you
and your children that you can exert a measure of control even in the face of
such events.
What Can We
Do to Be Red Cross Ready?
It’s easy for anyone to prepare for a disaster and other
emergencies by taking three simple actions: 1) Get a kit. 2) Make a plan. 3) Be
informed .
Get a Kit
Families who have a kit will feel empowered to not only help themselves in a disaster or emergency but may also be prepared to help a friend, family member or neighbor in need.
The American Red
Cross recommends that your kit contain enough supplies like bottled water,
nonperishable food, first aid supplies and medications, for each family member
for three days, as well as a flashlight, battery operated radio and extra
batteries. Remember to check your kit every six months and replace expired
items.
"Be Red Cross Ready"
products, like American Red Cross Emergency Preparedness kits or the American
Red Cross Emergency Radio by
Make a plan
Meet with your family and discuss why you need to
prepare for disaster. Explain the dangers of fire, severe weather and
earthquakes to children. Plan to share responsibilities and work together as a
team.
- Discuss the types of disasters that are most likely to happen. Explain what to do in each case.
- Pick two places to meet: 1. Right outside your home in case of a sudden emergency, like a fire. 2. Outside your neighborhood in case you can’t return home. Everyone must know the address and phone number.
- Ask an out-of-state friend to be your “family contact.” After a disaster, it’s often easier to call long distance. Other family members should call this person and tell them where they are. Everyone must know your contact’s phone number.
- Discuss what to do in an evacuation. Plan how to take care of your pets.
- Write down all of these contact numbers and information on the family emergency contact card.
- Know what may happen and how you can help.
- Learn what disasters or emergencies may occur where you live, work and play and how they can affect you, your family and community.
- Identify how authorities will notify you and how you will get important information.
- Learn what you can do to prepare by contacting your local chapter of the American Red Cross to ask about first aid, CPR and disaster training.
- Share what you have learned.
