Informing the Red Cross of an incident, AS IT OCCURS, will help to alleviate the trauma of disaster in many ways:

• EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE – The Red Cross may be able to provide emergency financial assistance for lodging, food, clothing, medication, and other immediate needs. Those affected by a disaster must have an expressed need, be able to provide proof of identity and address and have confirmed disaster damage to their home. Red Cross assistance can also include blankets, personal hygiene kits, and referrals to other nonprofit resources and support agencies.
• HEALTH-RELATED NEEDS – Through our Disaster Health and Mental Health Services and our Spiritual Care volunteers, the Red Cross also helps replace lost medications or durable medical equipment (glasses, hearing aids, wheelchairs, etc.), and provides emotional support, mental health support and spiritual care to those who need it.
• FATALITY - In the event of a verified disaster-related fatality, the Red Cross can work with the medical examiner to identify a primary contact person to provide support services, including financial assistance.  If this was the sole occupant of the home, we will work with the medical examiner to find a primary contact, for whom the Red Cross can provide emotional support, resources, and referrals.
• RECOVERY COUNSELING and PLANNING – Follow up casework with our Red Cross recovery planning team is also be available if needed. Red Cross volunteer caseworkers connect one-on-one with residents/families following the disaster to help them navigate complex paperwork, find community resources, and create individual recovery plans.