Disaster Services | Become a Disaster Volunteer
Find an American Red Cross Shelter using the National Shelter System.
Disaster Services
Disaster Services is broken down into two basic categories: readiness and response. Readiness consists of educational tools and training that teach the importance of being prepared. Training helps reduce the fear of the unexpected.
Response is exactly that – responding to disasters both locally and throughout the nation. The Greater Toledo Area Chapter responds to hundreds of local disasters each year, helping families rebuild their lives and regain hope.When a disaster strikes locally, our Disaster Action Team quickly evaluates the situation to assure that the immedicate needs of the individuals are met (shelter, food, clothing, health, and mental health services).
Link to the National Sheltering System (a database of all Red Cross shelters in the nation)
Readiness
The American Red Cross is pleased to provide the online Be Red Cross Ready public educational program. The purpose of this program is to provide participants with the knowledge to prepare for possible disasters and other life-threatening emergencies. The content of this program reflects the most up-to-date information available and is in concert with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security
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In addition to this online program, the Red Cross offers several community education programs on preparedness. Please contact our office for more information.
Related Links:
Preparing for Emergencies
Resources for Disaster Education
Contacting Family Members After a Disaster
How to Recover After a Disaster
National Sheltering System Database
Response
Red Cross disaster relief focuses on meeting people's immediate, emergency, disaster-caused needs. When a disaster threatens or strikes, the Red Cross provides shelter, food, health, and mental health services to address basic human needs. The heart of Red Cross disaster assistance is helping individuals and families affected by disaster to enable them to resume their normal daily activities independently.
If you have had a disaster and need emergency assistance, call 419-329-6060 or 888-590-0098. Caseworkers are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help you.
Are you interested in becoming a Red Cross disaster volunteer?
Disaster Action Team (DAT) volunteers respond to local emergencies day and night. They set up shelters, conduct damage assessments, and work one-on-one with local disaster clients to meet their immediate needs. Many DAT volunteers are also part of the national Disaster Services Human Resource System (DSHR). These volunteers support the relief efforts of the American Red Cross anywhere in the U.S. during national disasters.
Click here to learn how you can become a disaster volunteer.
