Red Cross Response
First Response
The first response to a disaster is the job of the local government's emergency services, supplemented by nearby municipalities, state resources, and volunteer agencies such as the Red Cross.
Federal Resources
During a catastrophic disaster, the governor can request for federal resources, which are mobilized through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). These resources can be used for:- Electrical power
- Food and water
- Search and rescue
- Shelter
- Other basic human needs
Disaster Relief Purposes
Red Cross disaster relief focuses on meeting people's immediate, disaster-caused needs. When a disaster threatens or strikes, the Red Cross provides shelter, food, and health / mental health services to address basic human needs.In addition to these services, the core of Red Cross disaster relief is assisting individuals and families affected by a disaster in a way that will enable them to resume their normal daily activities independently.
Additional Services
Additional services provided by the Red Cross include:- Feeding emergency workers
- Handling inquiries from concerned family members outside the disaster area
- Helping those affected by a disaster to access other available resources
- Providing blood and blood products to disaster victims