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(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.
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