Every disaster is a very personal experience.
We in the American Red Cross know first-hand that in a burst of destructive fury, floods, hurricanes, earthquakes, tornadoes, and other natural hazards rob families of their homes and belongings, cause major disruptions to businesses, and cost billions in property damage and economic losses. We also know from experience that the soaring social and economic costs of disasters can be dramatically reduced if families, businesses, and communities take proactive steps to reduce their vulnerability. Therefore, disaster preparedness and mitigation are top priorities of the American Red Cross. Our commitment to disaster safety can be traced back to our Congressional Charter, written in 1905. Our trained volunteers and employees, working through over 1,000 chapters, provide far-reaching electronic, printed and video materials as well as community presentations that inform the public about how to stay safe and protect their home.