Each year, Missouri Red Cross chapters respond to more than 2,100 disasters. Most of these are individual home fires. Red Cross disaster action teams throughout Missouri are equipped to respond immediately when help is needed. They offer assistance to the displaced family in shelter, food, clothing and other necessities. While firefighters work on putting out the fire, the Red Cross is caring for the people affected by disaster.
Assistance continues long after the fire, flood or other disaster.
Red Cross caseworkers work to see that families are able to return to their condition that existed prior to the disaster event. Red Cross also links families with other resources throughout the community that can provide valuable assistance. All Red Cross assistance is given free of charge, made possible by the generous contribution of people's time, money, and skills. The Red Cross works the year round with city, county and state emergency management agencies to facilitate disaster preparedness and planning. Ongoing efforts continue to recruit and train volunteers, and secure resources for shelter, communications and supplies.