Disaster Services

Disasters can strike at any time, any place. Whether it is a fire, flood or snowstorm, or any other natural disaster, our country is always ready to help out. There are many dedicated and caring volunteers trained to assist in time of need.

Single-Family Disasters

Single-home fires are the most frequent local disasters. Fires leave families homeless and devastated. Every year, trained American Red Cross disaster workers help more than 60 area families recover from fires. When a fire occurs, The Red Cross Disaster Action Team is there providing victims with emergency food, clothing, shelter, medical care and supplies.

Major Disasters

The American Red Cross of Allen County 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 community 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 and adults. In addition to formal presentation, the Red Cross also provides materials that help people plan for specific disasters, cope with traumatic effects, prevent injuries and reduce property loss. For more information on upcoming disaster training, contact Roger Fessler at 419-227-5121 or e-mail disaster@allenohrc.org.

Volunteers Needed

Last year, our Disaster Action Team volunteers responded to 63 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. 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 contact Roger Fessler at 419-227-5121 or e-mail disaster@allenohrc.org.