Disaster Response
In emergencies large and small - home fires, floods, wildfires - down the street, across the country or around the world, people can count on the American Red Cross to help them with disaster recovery. We are leaders and partners with community groups, government agencies, businesses and other non-profit organzations dedicated to saving lives and providing disaster recovery to people in need.
Disaster Recovery For Individuals and Families
If you or someone you know has recently experienced a natural or man-made disaster, contact us at (916) 993-7070.
As a lifeline for people facing the most difficult crisis of their lives, the Red Cross supports victims of fires, floods and other natural or man-made disasters. In fact, Chapter employees or volunteers respond to a local emergency - most often house or apartment fires - an average of once every 30 hours. Depending on each individual or family’s unique needs, we provide short-term immediate disaster assistance such as:
- Food
- Clothing
- Shelter
- Prescription refills
- Eye-glasses
- Counseling
- Referrals to other organizations that help with long-term needs
The Red Cross provides disaster assistance 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Due to the generosity of individuals, companies and foundations, all disaster assistance is free of charge.
Disaster Recovery For Our Community
Large-scale disasters can occur without warning anytime and anywhere. Locally, we are especially vulnerable to floods, winter storms and wildfires. You may wonder how your local Red Cross would respond to a local catastrophic event.
- The best and fastest responder is you. It may take time for help to arrive, so make sure you and your family have a disaster plan and a disaster supply kit ready to go.
- Throughout the community, our local Red Cross keeps pre-positioned shelter supplies such as cots, blankets and other emergency supplies that can be quickly loaded on to trucks or vans for transport to an emergency community shelter. When a shelter is designated, we are ready to go.
- The Red Cross provides immediate disaster relief including temporary shelter, food, water, hygiene items and emotional support. If further assistance is needed, we work with government agencies and other non-profit organizations that assist with long-term needs such as permanent housing, employment, ongoing counseling, etc.
In the event of a large-scale disaster, listen to your emergency radio station for ongoing announcements and information. If all communications have been disrupted, look for a law enforcement official.
Following the Capital Region Chapter on Twitter and Facebook will also keep you connected to current Red Cross activities both year-round and especially during a disaster.
Disaster Recovery Around the World
The Red Cross brings help and hope to people all over the world. When a large-scale catastrophe occurs overseas, the national Red Cross or Red Crescent Society in that particular country assists with food, shelter and other emergency relief. In addition, our chapter helps individuals reach family members who are missing as a result of an international disaster or war through our Restoring Family Links program.
