American Red Cross Hurricane Response Plan

Written by Stephanie Kriner, Staff Writer, RedCross.org

August 26, 2002 — Although hurricanes rank among the most destructive and deadly of all natural disasters, they also provide the greatest amount of warning before striking. As the storm is swirling out at sea and coastal residents are hunkering down, the American Red Cross takes advantage of this forewarning to prepare its disaster response.

All national disaster responses are run from the Disaster Operations Center (DOC) at the American Red Cross headquarters.

Using information from the National Hurricane Center and emergency management officers, the Red Cross decides how seriously it should take the approaching storm. For example, a large and slow-moving hurricane brings with it lingering rains, threatening widespread flooding and evacuations, potentially affecting many families. Other considerations may include the storm’s size, speed, intensity and radii of gale force winds, as well as the uncertainty of the storm’s path and the possibility of forecast error.

However, long before a storm begins to form in the Atlantic Ocean, the Red Cross begins its four-phase Hurricane Preparedness Plan:

Phase 1: Prepare
Throughout the year, Watch Teams, consisting of experts in disaster relief, damage assessment, disaster health care and other functions, and Red Cross chapters monitor the hurricane preparedness of their communities. They ensure that the necessary volunteers and resources are available should disaster strike. They know which vendors will be there to provide food and water, and they have cots, blankets and other items stocked to provide possible shelter residents. They also earmark shelter locations that would be safe from storm surge, flooding and wind damage during a hurricane. They know which neighborhoods are at risk for storm surges and flooding and the potential number of evacuees who would need Red Cross services. They also participate in trainings and other exercises to prepare for their respective roles.

As a hurricane approaches the U.S. coast, the American Red Cross actives various preparedness and response stages.

Phase 2: Alert
When a storm poses a threat to the U.S. coastline, the Disaster Operations Center (DOC) places potentially affected “Watch Areas” and “Staging Areas” on alert. The alert phase typically occurs three to seven days before a hurricane is forecast to make landfall.

During alert phase, Watch Teams work with chapters to identify shelters, appoint local shelter and disaster staff and pre-position supplies, such as cots, blankets and vehicles. Meanwhile, the DOC begins sending disaster volunteers from across the country to a staging area. They wait there to find out where they will most be needed.

These steps ensure that the Red Cross is ready should forecasters’ worst predictions become reality.

Phase 3: Activation
Between 24 and 36 hours before hurricane conditions are expected to arrive, the National Hurricane Center issues a Hurricane Watch, possibly for many hundreds of miles along the coast. The watch indicates the possibility that the eye of the hurricane will make landfall in that area. As the hurricane moves closer to the coast, communities begin preparing for the storm. In some coastal areas, local officials call for mandatory or recommended evacuations.

Once a Hurricane Watch or evacuation order is issued, the Red Cross will put that area on Activation status.

Inland flooding is one of the most dangerous effects of hurricanes.

During Activation, the Watch Team begins to coordinate a response. Chapters open shelters staffed by local volunteers and staff members. Meanwhile, volunteers from across the country continue arriving at the staging area, ready to assist the chapter after the hurricane strikes.

The National Hurricane Center issues a Hurricane Warning for the areas most at risk, meaning hurricane conditions are expected there within 12 to 24 hours. As the hurricane continues to move closer to the coast, winds pick up, tornadoes may develop and rains get heavier, possibly causing flooding.

Phase 4: Transition
Once a hurricane makes landfall, Watch Team managers contact chapters throughout the affected area to determine the scope of damages. At this time, the threat to the coast has diminished but inland areas may be experiencing heavy rains, flooding, high winds and tornadoes. The Watch Team manager reports the details of the damages and continued disaster to DOC staff members, who decide how the Red Cross will respond. Finally, the Disaster Relief Operation begins, with volunteers and Red Cross staff arriving from the staging area to help those affected by the hurricane.

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• Ten Years Later, Hurricane Andrew Victims Remember Red Cross Support

Related links:

Hurricane Preparedness