Who Provides Disaster Services of the American Red Cross Print E-mail

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A cadre of trained Red Cross paid and volunteer staff continually work to be ready to respond when a disaster threatens or strikes. Red Cross workers come from all walks of life and all segments of the community. They share the willingness to serve and the desire to help those in need.

dis_vaTrained Red Cross disaster workers might:

  • Be part of a team that determine the level of damage to homes in a disaster area.
  • Work in a shelter or on a mobile feeding van providing hot meals to a disaster-stricken community.
  • Move urgently needed vehicles and supplies access the country.
  • Interview individuals and families to determine how they were affected by the disaster and how the Red Cross can best meet their needs.
  • Work with Disaster Health Services to give first aid and other health assistance to disaster victims.
  • Help Provide the media with the most current information on the disaster and how the Red Cross is responding.
  • Provide computer, communications, or accounting support.
  • Do community presentations to help people prepare for disaster.
  • Train others how to provide disaster services.

    The American Red Cross is charted by the U.S. Congress (Act of Congress of January 5, 1905, as amended, 36 U.S.C. Sections 1-9) to undertake relief activities to mitigate the suffering caused by disasters. It is a community-based, voluntary organization. There are almost 2,600 Red Cross chapters, throughout all 50 sates, U.S possessions, and dependencies.