(Also see Armed Forces Emergency Services)

Single-family Disasters

Single-home fires are the most frequent local disasters. Every day, fires leave families homeless and devastated. Every year, trained American Red Cross disaster workers help more than 400 Columbus-area families recover from fires. When a fire occurs, Red Cross Disaster Action Teams are there providing victims with emergency food, clothing, shelter, medical care and supplies.

Major Disasters

The American Red Cross of Greater Columbus also provides relief to major disasters. When there is flooding, a tornado or any man-made or natural disaster that might cause emergency needs for local residents, the Red Cross is ready to provide assistance. On both local and national levels, assistance may take the form of opening a shelter, providing meals or drinks for disaster victims and emergency workers, as well as the immediate emergency need for clothing, eyeglasses and prescription drugs.

Disaster Education & Prevention

The best way to handle an emergency is to be prepared for it. That is why in non-emergency times, the Red Cross focuses on educating the people of greater Columbus about disaster preparedness. This is done through educational programs with schools, health fairs, community groups, businesses and others who request information to make their employees or members safer in times of disaster. The Red Cross has educational programs targeted for school children, adults and Spanish-speaking populations. In addition to formal presentations, the Red Cross also provides materials that help people plan for specific disasters, cope with traumatic effects, prevent injuries and reduce property loss.

Terrorism

Devastating acts, such as the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, have left many concerned about the possibility of future incidents in the United States and their potential impact. They have raised uncertainty about what might happen next, increasing stress levels. Nevertheless, there are things you can do to prepare for the unexpected and reduce the stress that you may feel now and later should another emergency arise. Taking preparatory action can reassure you and your children that you can exert a measure of control even in the face of such events. more...

Preparing for the Unexpected

To help families prepare for emergencies, the Red Cross has unveiled a new safety presentation -- "Preparing for the Unexpected"  This hour and a half presentation provides the tools and information families need to prepare for all types of disasters in the home or workplace -- including a terrorist attack.  Basic messages about first aid are also blended in.  To arrange a presentation for your family or group contact the Red Cross at (614) 251-1443 or by email.

Volunteers Provide a Helping Hand

Last year, 140 trained Disaster Action Team volunteers of the American Red Cross of Greater Columbus responded to more than 400 home fires. Twenty-four hours a day, every day of the year these volunteers stand by to help.

When a major disaster strikes, trained Red Cross volunteers from around the country move into the disaster area and provide emergency assistance. Nearly 85 members from the chapter are prepared to leave their families at home and assist victims of disaster anywhere in the country. They serve meals, assess damage, provide financial assistance to victims, or work in support areas such as public affairs, fund raising, government, labor relations, volunteer coordination or logistics. In addition, Disaster Mental Health workers provide crisis intervention counseling for disaster victims dealing with the traumatic effects of a fire, plane crash, flood or other disaster.

For information on becoming a local disaster volunteer or a volunteer that responds to disasters in other areas of the country contact the Volunteer Resources or call 253-2740 ext. 2355.

For information on upcoming disaster training contact Emergency Services or call (614) 251-1443.

If you are a State of Ohio Employee, you can receive up to 30 days of paid Disaster leave to volunteer for the American Red Cross. Read more.

All Red Cross disaster services are free, made possible through contributions of time and money from area residents. Make an on-line contribution.