Weeks after Hurricane Helene devastated parts of western North Carolina, the American Red Cross continues to support affected communities offering comfort and care through sheltering and feeding, but also an extensive disaster assessment initiative.

Red Cross teams have conducted nearly 14,000 door-to-door detailed residential damage assessments to help determine how many homes have been affected and the extent of that damage. Information from this massive effort is used to plan what support — including financial assistance — families may need in the coming weeks and months.

Disaster assessment volunteers are an important part of a Red Cross relief operation. These “boots on the ground” volunteers survey homes in affected communities to gather the information needed to plan recovery efforts. This includes calculating the number of homes affected, the extent of the damage and the overall impact on a disaster-affected community.

Damage Assessment is a vital yet lesser-known service of the Red Cross. When disasters strike, our trained volunteers swiftly enter affected neighborhoods and communities, as soon as it is safe to do so, to evaluate the damage using photos, specialized smartphone apps and GPS technology.

The information gathered by disaster assessment teams supports two major recovery functions. First, it helps the Red Cross determine which neighborhoods may still need hot meals, water and snacks delivered, where to establish locations for distributing emergency supplies, and where to establish disaster aid stations. Second, it helps determine the number of households that may be eligible for financial assistance. This initial information also helps determine where the Red Cross should set up locations for affected residents to meet with Red Cross recovery caseworkers.

Disaster assessment information is also shared with Red Cross partner organizations to enable the highest level of recovery assistance possible, ensuring that everyone affected gets help.

If you have questions or would like to verify Red Cross disaster teams in your area, please call us at 800-RED CROSS.