The American Red Cross of Massachusetts is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to assist individuals and families displaced by natural and man-made disasters, including home fires, hurricanes, blizzards, floods, hazardous materials spills and other emergencies.

Several times a day in Massachusetts, the Red Cross is meeting the immediate emergency needs of area disaster victims. Depending on the circumstances, assistance may include: shelter, food, clothing, toiletry items, clean-up items, help in obtaining prescription refills or medical equipment, mental health support, and referrals to organizations that help with long-term needs. Red Cross volunteers deliver snacks and drinks to emergency responders, including firefighters and police.

All disaster assistance is free, provided through the generosity of the American public.

If you or someone you know recently experienced a natural or man-made disaster and needs assistance, please call the Red Cross at (800) 564-1234. This hotline is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

For information about other types of assistance not related to immediate disaster needs, you may find help through Massachusetts’ 211 program. This resource provides free, confidential information about non-profit and governmental social services programs in Massachusetts.

Interested in serving your community? Become a Disaster Action Team volunteer!

On-call Disaster Action Team volunteers travel together to the disaster site, assess the scope of the disaster, and if necessary, work with the victims to identify and meet the immediate needs of the displaced residents. During an extended response, volunteers are also prepared to support the needs of first responders.

To join this group of caring and committed volunteers, visit our Volunteer page.