Over 3,000 trained disaster relief workers are trained and ready to respond to the needs of people affected by disaster. Red Cross disaster relief focuses on meeting people's immediate emergency disaster-caused needs. When a disaster threatens or strikes, the Red Cross provides shelter, food, and health and mental health services to address basic human needs. In addition to these services, the core of Red Cross disaster relief is the assistance given to individuals and families affected by disaster to enable them to resume their normal daily activities independently. If needed, the Red Cross provides the means to pay for needed items including groceries, new clothing, temporary housing, emergency home repairs, transportation, essential household items, medicines, and occupational tools.
All assistance is based on verified disaster-caused needs.
Hurricanes and the heavy rains, flooding and high winds they often bring can devastate or destroy families, homes and communities. Getting ready ahead of time can save lives and reduces injuries. Contain supplies to last family members for a minimum of three days. Prepare a Family Communications Plan Designate a friend or relative outside your town or area as your family contact in the event you are separated from family members during a hurricane or if it knocks out your electricity. Have an Evacuation Plan Identify where you could go if told to evacuate.