Disaster Services
We're
planning for disasters of the future, a future that arrived on September 11th in
the form of terrorism. But even before then, we were planning for both
large-scale disasters and smaller ones like home fires that don't make
headlines. It's all part of what we do. The American Red Cross responds annually
to more than 67,000 disasters, both natural and man-made. Annually, some 83,000
trained Red Cross volunteers help survivors, providing food, shelter, financial
assistance, mental health counseling and much more. To learn more about disaster
response in your community and becoming a Red Cross volunteer, contact the Wayne
County Chapter at (330) 264-9383 or visit www.redcross.org/services/disaster.
You may ask yourself, 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 kinds. We provide the traditional types of assistance - food, clothing and shelter. We can provide assistance in replacing medical needs. We communicate with families and provide guidance for them to help them determine what their next step is. We provide emotional support and give victims hope in their darkest hours.
How Can I Help?
The American Red Cross Wayne County Chapter is always looking for compassionate people who like to help others. Training is provided to Disaster Volunteers - free of charge. Anyone interested can become a disaster volunteer, regardless of education background, economic status, religion, race, etc. There are only two kinds of people who come into the American Red Cross. Those who seek assistance - and those who come to help others. If you like helping others, consider a career as a Red Cross Disaster volunteer. The people we help are our neighbors. Stop in at the Chapter at 140 South Walnut Street in Wooster to apply as a Disaster Team member.
Disaster Planning - Sheltering in Place
The American Red Cross promotes disaster preparedness for all types of disasters, be they man-made or natural. We feel that an important component of recovery of a disaster is preparedness. Sometimes a disaster occurs so quickly, the safest course of action is to stay where you are. If you find yourself in a situation where the local authorities request people to stay where they are during a disaster, the following information compiled by the American Red Cross will aid in your safety and recovery.
http://www.redcross.org/services/disaster/keepsafe/unexpected.html
The American Red Cross Wayne County Chapter also offers the course "Preparing for the Unexpected". This course is free to the public and covers many different aspects of disaster preparedness, for all types of disasters. Call the local Chapter at 330-264-9383 for more information and the next scheduled class.
All Disaster Classes are free and open to the public. Pre-registration is required. Call 330-264-9383 to register. All classes are subject to cancellation due to lack of enrollment.
"Thank you, American Red Cross!"
The American Red Cross responded immediately and courageously to the events surrounding the terrorist attacks in September. Here is a tribute to the people affected and those who responded. (click here) September 11th.