Responding to Disasters

The Good News Is That We Can Help

Red Cross disaster relief focuses on meeting people’s immediate emergency disaster-caused needs. When a disaster threatens or strikes, the Red Cross provides shelter, food, and health and mental health services to address basic human needs. In addition to these services, the core of Red Cross disaster relief is the assistance given to individuals and families affected by disaster to enable them to resume their normal daily activities independently.

The Red Cross also feeds emergency workers, handles inquiries from concerned family members outside the disaster area, provides blood and blood products to disaster victims, and helps those affected by disaster to access other available resources.

Locally, the Genesee-Lapeer Chapter of the American Red Cross responded to 275 disaster incidents last year.  Through emergency assistance, we helped 474 families rebuild their lives.

If you need immediate, emergency assistance, please call (810) 232-1401 at any time of the day or night.  For more information on Disaster Services during business hours, call (810) 232-1401 ext. 306.

Disaster Action Teams:  Red Cross volunteers respond to disasters in our community.  Learn how you can join a Disaster Action Team.   

Weather Safety Tips:  Prevent disasters by learning what to do in a weather emergency.  

After a Disaster … Mental/Emotional Stress:  Learn tips to help you understand and process your feelings.

Pets and Disaster Safety Checklist  Learn tips to help keep your pets safe during a disaster.

Power Outage Checklist  What to do before, during and after a power outage.