The American Red Cross Disaster Services mission is to ensure nationwide disaster planning, preparedness, community disaster education, mitigation, and response that will provide the American people with quality service in a uniform, consistent, and responsive manner.

The American Red Cross responds to disasters such as hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, and fires, or other situations that cause human suffering or create human needs that those affected cannot alleviate without assistance. It is an independent, humanitarian, voluntary organization, not a government agency.

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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, and how they will be coordinated and used. As part of the planning process, Red Cross chapters also practice by participating in drills and exercises. Such planning enables chapters to respond efficiently and effectively.

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When a disaster threatens or strikes, dedicated paid and volunteer staff in over 1,400 communities around the country respond to the immediate needs of their neighbors. When a disaster exceeds the resources of the local Red Cross unit, a nationwide network of people and material resources is activated.

This network of trained disaster workers is composed of people from all walks of life, and all segments of the community, including youth and young adults. They offer skills and bring their life experiences to help when needed.

Material resources--supplies, vehicles, communications equipment, etc.--are strategically located around the U.S., its territories and possessions, and ready to move into disaster-affected area on a moment's notice.

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The Red Cross is involved in helping individuals and families learn how to get ready, stay safe, cope with, and recover from disasters through Community Disaster Education. The more you know, the better you'll be able to prepare for and deal with a disaster, if it strikes. Call your local chapter or visit the National Red Cross website for more information about those disasters that can affect where you live, work, and travel.

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The Red Cross works in partnership with people affected by disasters to help them return to living independently as quickly as possible.

• Sheltering and Feeding

The Red Cross opens shelters for those evacuated or displaced by a disaster and provides meals and snacks to families and to emergency workers in impacted areas.

• Individual and Family Assistance

Trained Red Cross interviewers meet one-on-one with individuals and families to determine their disaster-caused needs and how the Red Cross can help. The Red Cross also lets people know about other available community or government resources and helps those needing long-term recovery assistance when other resources are not available or are inadequate.

• Disaster Health Services and Disaster Mental Health Services

When a disaster strikes, the Red Cross assists in meeting the physical and emotional health needs associated with the disaster.

• Contacting Family in the Disaster Area

If a loved one is in the affected area, family members from outside the area can call their local Red Cross chapter and request assistance in determining the well-being of their family member.

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There are many ways you can become involved in Disaster Services or help your community through the Red Cross.

• Giving Your Time and Skills

Start by contacting your local chapter and ask to speak with someone about volunteering with Disaster Services. Let your chapter know about your skills and interests, and they'll match them with Red Cross disaster activities.

• Giving Through a Donation of Blood

In a disaster, the Red Cross makes blood and blood products available. Give the gift of life. Click here to view a schedule of upcoming blood drives.

• Giving a Gift of Goods and Services

The Red Cross discourages individual donations of food and used clothing, but will work with other relief agencies to make these items available.

Under certain circumstances, the Red Cross does accept corporate contributions of goods and services that are needed during a disaster relief operation. The best way to assist the Red Cross with donations of goods and services is to explore the possibilities long before a disaster strikes.

If you think your company might be able to donate potentially useful items during a disaster, please contact your local chapter or call the Red Cross hotline at 1-800-7IN-KIND.

• Giving Through a Financial Contribution

One of the best ways you can help the Red Cross assist people affected by disasters is to make a financial contribution to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund.

You may use your credit card to make a financial contribution by calling 1-800-HELP NOW (1-800-435-7669) or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish); send a check to your local chapter or to P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013; or donate online. All checks should be made payable to "American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund."

All Red Cross assistance is given free of charge. This is made possible by the generous contribution of people's time, money, and skills.

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