Every day throughout America, Red Cross neighbors help save their neighbors' lives and property from the destructive power of disasters. We are the premier, volunteer-led organization devoted to:

(1) educating people to prevent and prepare for disasters;

(2) planning for and responding to disasters; and

(3) advocating for disaster victims.

We are driven to serve people, using the highest standards of urgency,excellence, compassion, trust and respect…and do so as a team in partnership with others.

Planning for Disaster Response

Every Red Cross chapter works continuously to be ready to respond by coordinating and collaborating with its disaster partners. Each chapter’s disaster response plan identifies what it will take to respond to various disasters, what resources are needed, and how they will be coordinated and used. As part of the planning process, Red Cross chapters also practice by participating in drills and exercises. Such planning enables chapters to respond efficiently and effectively. As part of this process, chapters identify places to set up shelters and service centers, make arrangements with vendors for needed supplies, and work with local merchants.

Click to learn more about how you can "Be Prepared".


Responding to Disasters

The Red Cross enables people affected by disaster to resume living independently by providing what is desperately needed. From the emergency assistance that is given immediately following a disaster to help with food, clothing, and shelter, to help with long-term recovery assistance such as rent, emergency home repairs, transportation, household items, medicines, and tools, the Red Cross is there.

The ability to respond immediately also depends on having people who are trained and ready. Each year the Red Cross trains thousands of people who can then provide consistent, quality services to people across the nation who have been affected by disasters. In Berks County, over 80 Disaster Action Team (DAT) volunteers are trained and ready to respond to the immediate needs of their neighbors. Training to become a  DAT member is offered free of charge. Click here - Disaster Courses - to learn more about the training courses offered.

Trained Red Cross disaster workers might:

• Be part of a team that determines the level of damage to homes in a disaster area.
• Work in a shelter or on our Emergency Response Vehicle (ERV) providing hot meals to the disaster stricken community.
  
• Feed emergency workers
  
• Interview individuals and families to determine how they were affected by the disaster and how the Red Cross can best meet their needs.
  
• Referring those affected by disaster to other available resources.
  
• Handling inquiries from concerned family members outside the disaster area.
  
• Work with Disaster Health Services to give first aid and other health assistance to
  disaster victims.
  
• Provide emotional support through our Disaster Mental Health professionals.
  
• Move urgently needed vehicles and supplies across the county.
  
• Help provide the media with the most current information on the disaster and how the Red Cross is responding.
  
• Providing blood and blood products to disaster victims.