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The emergency alert sound has just come over the radio. Good thing it was only a test. Disaster Services can make sure you are prepared when the next disaster strikes.
Mission of the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross, a humanitarian organization led by volunteers and guided by its Congressional Charter and the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross Movement, will provide relief to victims of disasters and help people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies.
Twenty-four hours a day, 365 days a year, the Red Cross Disaster Services is on the job providing free temporary housing, food, clothing to disaster survivors. The Red Cross is able to respond almost immediately following a disaster because its relief activities are initiated at the local level. When the scope of a disaster exceeds the capability and resources of the local chapter, other Red Cross chapters are called to assist. The American Red Cross provides disaster victims with free emergency assistance to help them overcome their immediate, disaster-caused needs and resume independent living. Red Cross provides the means to purchase what they need most, including food, a change of clothing, replacement medications, temporary housing and other household goods. Although large-scale catastrophes such as tornadoes and floods may initially come to mind when thinking in terms of disaster, the Red Cross also assists survivors of frequently overlooked disasters such as residential fires. The Muskingum Valley Chapter relies on the efforts of its trained paid and volunteer staff members to provide emergency assistance to disaster victims. Disaster safety education and outreach is an important part of the Muskingum Valley Chapter's efforts to help people prevent and prepare for emergencies. Chapter staff make presentations throughout the year to community audiences ranging from children's groups to the elderly.
The functions of Disaster Services includes:
Mass Care (Feeding and Sheltering) : Provides congregate shelter facilities and fixed and mobile food services to workers in a disaster area. Provides bulk distribution of supplies and commodities to people affected by the disaster.
Damage Assessment : Determines the size and scope of a disaster and the level of damage sustained by dwellings within the affected area. Develops and distributes statistical data related to the effects of a disaster and demographics of affected populations.
Family Services : Delivers emergency assistance to affected individuals and families, and refers persons affected by the disaster to the resources of government and/or non-government agencies. Provides additional assistance when necessary:
How The Red Cross Can Help You
If you or a family member is affected by a fire or other disaster within the Muskingum Valley Chapter American Red Cross coverage area (Muskingum, Perry and Morgan Counties), and you need immediate help, please call the American Red Cross at:
1-740-452-2731
or
After Hours Emergency : 1-800-696-3873
Download Your Disaster Plan Brochure
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