Red Cross Disaster Relief

The American Red Cross is required by Congressional charter to undertake disaster relief activities to ease the suffering caused by a disaster. The Red Cross works both at the local level, responding even to house fires, at the national level, responding to larger-scale emergencies such as hurricanes and floods, and in the international arena, providing ongoing humanitarian aid to victims of natural disaster and war. Emergency assistance includes:

• Feeding stations
• Shelter
• Cleaning supplies
• Comfort kits, first aid
• Blood and blood products
• Food, clothing
• Emergency transportation
• Assistance with rent
• Home repairs and household items
• Medical supplies

The American Red Cross may also provide additional assistance for long-term recovery when other relief assistance and/or personal resources are not adequate to meet disaster-caused needs, and the American Red Cross will also provide referrals to the government and other agencies providing disaster assistance.