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Disaster Preparedness
Every disaster is a very personal experience.
We in the American Red Cross know first-hand that in a burst of destructive fury, floods, hurricanes, earthquakes, tornadoes, and other natural hazards rob families of their homes and belongings, cause major disruptions to businesses, and cost billions in property damage and economic losses. We also know from experience that the soaring social and economic costs of disasters can be dramatically reduced if families, businesses, and communities take proactive steps to reduce their vulnerability. Therefore, disaster preparedness and mitigation are top priorities of the American Red Cross. We have joined forces with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the insurance industry, emergency management and environment officials, educators, businesses, and other partners that are concerned about the increasing, and often unnecessary, losses caused by disasters. Together, we are leading efforts across the nation to do more, before disasters strike, to build a "culture of prevention" and to limit the harm inflicted on families and communities.
Our commitment to disaster safety can be traced back to our 1905 Congressional Charter. We are charged with "continu(ing) and carry(ing) on a system of national and international relief in time of peace and apply the same in mitigating the sufferings caused by pestilence, famine, fire, floods, and other great national calamities, and to devise and carry on measures for preventing the same."
Getting Ready
It doesn't take a lot of effort or a small fortune to be ready when disaster strikes. It does take a plan. It helps to have a kit. We can show you how.
Volunteering, giving blood and getting trained not only provide you with a sense of security but are good for our community.
More information on how you can prepare yourself, your family and your community.
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