Disaster Services

To learn more about Disaster Services, call Nina Johnson, manager-Disaster Services, at 610-865-4400, ext. 227, or e-mail johnsonni@usa.redcross.org.

DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

An aspect of Disaster Services that is often overlooked is the preparedness education component. Staff are continuously giving presentations to school children, church groups, and other organizations on the necessity of having concrete plans in case of an emergency. Helping people prevent, prepare for, and respond to crises is the mission of the American Red Cross and the true essence of a Disaster Services volunteer.

Video Overview of Disaster Services

Disaster Preparation Information

Disaster Recovery

Disaster Classes

LOCAL DISASTER RESPONSE

Ask the average person about the Red Cross and chances are they will mention disasters like hurricanes and floods. But the majority of the disasters the American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley responds to are apartment and house fires, which affect families here. During the last fiscal year, our Disaster Action Team assisted 542 people affected by 95 crises. Jack Penrose at North Street fire

At a scene, Red Cross volunteers work side-by-side with firefighters and other emergency personnel to ensure victims are given immediate relief. Immediate relief means getting them what they need most without waiting a day or more -- food, lodging, clothing, medication replacement, and mental health counseling. In the days following a disaster, the Red Cross continues to work with families while they find ways to rebuild their lives.

All Red Cross disaster assistance is a free gift, made possible by the financial generosity of Lehigh Valley citizens. Whether it’s a house fire in Schnecksville or an emergency in Lower Mount Bethel, the Red Cross is ready to rush relief to residents in Carbon, Lehigh and Northampton counties when it is needed.

NATIONAL DISASTER RESPONSE

Although weather patterns are notoriously hard to predict, the Red Cross prides itself on being ready to meet the challenges of natural disasters. Weather-related crises like hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, wildfires, and blizzards are "typical" emergencies that can require the mobilization of people and equipment from all over the nation. Before, during, and after a disaster occurs, employees and volunteers are organizing mass care services (shelter and food for a large quantity of individuals), preparing family services casework (assessing short- and long-term needs), performing crisis mental health counseling, and doing damage assessment of homes affected by the catastrophe.

Disasters come in a variety of shapes and sizes, many of which are not as immediately predictable as a hurricane. For instance, the Red Cross responds to some disasters that are human-caused, such as industrial accidents. In fact, the Chapter has a team of disaster mental health volunteers who are experts in assisting people affected by plane crashes.

All Red Cross disaster volunteers must undergo training to be prepared to deal with the unexpected and sometimes overwhelming circumstances of disaster relief work. But the one thing that the interconnectedness of Red Cross Chapters across the country proves is: hope travels.

SAFE AND WELL

One of the most vital services the American Red Cross can provide to families during a disaster is the peace of mind that comes from knowing that friends and family are "safe and well."

The Safe and Well site is an easy-to-use Internet tool that is most effective in the immediate aftermath of a disaster. Log onto www.redcross.org and look for Safe and Well, or click on the Safe and Well List banner here.

Through Safe and Well, people in the disaster-affected area can register their well-being and where friends and family elsewhere can access that information. The site safeguards the privacy of the disaster victim. Although "safe and well" messages will be viewable by friends or family members, it does not reveal a specific location or contact information.

INTERNATIONAL DISASTER RESPONSE

Since the American Red Cross is a member of the International Red Cross/Red Crescent movement, we also respond to crises abroad whether they are natural disasters (such as Hurricane Mitch) or man-made tragedies (like Kosovo). The American Red Cross stands at the ready to provide much needed funds, expertise, supplies, and equipment to our sister societies around the world.