Neighbors Helping Neighbors

American Red Cross Wayne County Chapter

The best plan of action anyone can take, is to prepare a plan of action in the event of an emergency. The American Red Cross plans for disasters of the future, which took on a whole different form, following the terrorism attacks on September 11th. Even before these incidents, the Red Cross has always planned for disasters of all different scales and magnitudes.

 

We plan for large scale disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, but also how to respond to smaller disasters such as home fires, which sometimes do not make the headlines of the larger disasters—but they are just as devastating to those involved. It’s all part of what we do. The American Red Cross organization responds to more than 73,000 disaster each year, both natural and man-made.

 

Annually, some 83,000 trained Red Cross volunteers help survivors, providing food, shelter, clothing, financial assistance, mental health counseling and much more. To learn more about disaster response in your community and about becoming a Red Cross Disaster Volunteer, contact the Wayne County Chapter at (330) 264-9383 or visit www.redcross.org/services/disaster.

 

 

Disaster Services

You may ask, “What exactly does the American Red Cross do at the scene of a disaster?” We provide immediate emergency assistance to those involved in a disaster of many different kinds. We provide assistance of food, clothing and shelter. We can provide assistance in replacing critical medical needs lost in a disaster. We communicate with family members and provide them guidance to help them determine their next course of action. We provide emotional support and give victims hope in their darkest hour.

 

 

How Can I Help? There are many ways one can help the American Red Cross help. The Wayne County Chapter is always looking for compassionate people who enjoy helping others. Training is provided to Disaster Volunteers—free of charge. Anyone interested can become a disaster volunteer regardless of their level of education, economic status, religion, race, etc. Financial donors are always needed as well, as we are funded solely through local donations. We are NOT a government agency and receive no government funding.

 

There are only two types of people who come into the Red Cross. Those seeking assistance of some kind and those who are here to assist others. If you like helping others, consider a career as a Red Cross Disaster Volunteer. The people we help are your neighbors and friends.

 

 

Disaster Planning—Sheltering in Place

 

The American Red Cross promotes disaster preparedness for all types of disasters, be they man-made or natural. An important component of recovery from a disaster is preparedness. Sometimes a disaster  occurs so quickly, the safest course of action is to remain where you are. If you find yourself in a situation where local authorities request that people to stay where they are during a disaster, the following information compiled by the American Red Cross will aide in your safety and recovery.

 

http://www.redcross.org/services/disaster/keepsafe/unexpected.html

 

The American Red Cross Wayne County Chapter also offers disaster preparedness training for individuals, as well as businesses. We offer a seminar titled “Preparing for the Unexpected”. This course is offered free to the public and covers many different aspects of disaster preparedness for many types of disasters. Call the Red Cross at 330-264-9383 for additional information or to schedule a class.

 

All Disaster Classes are free and open to the public. Pre-registration is required and all classes are subject to cancellation due to lack of enrollment.

 

The American Red Cross responds to disasters.

 

 

New York City—World Trade Center, September 12, 2001

 

The Wayne County Chapter assisted by sending 6 Disaster Trained Specialists to New York and Washington, DC following the events of 9/11.

Pictures from Hurricanes Ivan and Charley, September, 2004 and Katrina, September, 2005

The Wayne County Chapter deployed 25 local Disaster Specialists in the Gulf Coast Region for Hurricanes Katrina and Rita