The American Red Cross encourages people to register themselves on the Safe and Well Website, which is accessible at all times via www.redcross.org , or by clicking on the banner link. The Safe and Well Website is an Internet-based tool that allows those affected by a disaster to let their loved ones know of their well-being. People within a disaster-affected area are able to select and post standard messages. Concerned family members who know the person’s current phone number or a complete home address can then search for the posted messages, providing peace of mind.
Disaster Services
The American Red Cross Disaster Services mission is to ensure nationwide disaster planning, preparedness, community disaster education, mitigation, and response that will provide the American people with quality services in a uniform, consistent, and responsive manner.
The American Red Cross responds to disasters such as hurricanes,floods, earthquakes, and fires, or other situations that cause human suffering or create human needs that those affected cannot alleviate without assistance. It is an independant, humanitarian, voluntary organization. We are not a government agency, we receive no government funding.
On the local and national level, the Red Cross works with government, business, labor unions, religious and community organizations as well as other voluntary agencies – identifying resources and roles, sharing information, and finding ways to ensure a coordinated and efficient response to any disaster that strikes.
The Red Cross is also a member of the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD).
For more information about your local Red Cross Chapter or to volunteer call: 1-800-560-7641
Disaster Training
The American Red Cross provides disaster relief to survivors of disaster, whether locally or nationally, through a network of well trained disaster volunteers. All disaster courses are free. If you want to take several courses in a short time see information on our Mini Disaster Institute usually held in February.
Introduction to Disaster Services
This course is the prerequisite for all other Disaster Training. It is also the minimum training required for individuals wishing to volunteer for the Disaster Services Program. During the training participants will become familiar with how the American Red Cross provides services during times of disaster. Participants will be introduced to the different volunteer functions needed during disasters.
Introduction to Disaster Services-Online Training
The same couse as above, still free, but taken online!
Click here to take this course.
Damage Assessment I
The purpose of this training is to prepare Red Cross volunteers to serve as Damage Assessment workers who obtain and report damage assessment information and provide operational support on disaster operations. Prerequisite: Introduction to Disaster Services.
Emergency Assistance to Families
Participants will learn how and what services are provided to disaster survivors. Participants will learn to use case managemnet forms, develop interviewing skills and knowledge, and identify resources that meet the needs of disaster survivors. Prerequisite: Introduction to Disaster Services.
Mass Care Overview
This video based training is designed to prepare individuals to provide immediate Mass Care services (mass feeding, sheltering, and bulk distribution of goods) on a chapter administered relief operation, and to initiate those services on larger relief operations.Prerequisite: Introduction to Disaster Services.
Shelter Operations & Simulation
This video based training is designed to prepare the Red Cross worker and other agencies’ staff to effectively and sensitively manage shelter operations as a team and to meet the needs of people displaced as a result of a disaster. The afternoon session wil be a table-top excercise that will provide participants with the hands on experience necessary to effectively and sensitively operate a shelter. Prerequisite: Introduction to Disaster Services and Mass Care Overview.
For dates and times of courses, see the Calendar. Please read the general information about our courses and learn how to register.
