Disaster Services

The Red Cross responds to a disaster in the US every eight minutes. Whether an entire region is devastated by floods or one family’s home is destroyed by fire, the Red Cross responds to victims’ needs immediately and is totally dependent upon the generosity of the public to help pay the cost of relief. The vast majority of disaster expenses consist of direct relief to victims in the form of food, shelter and clothing, as well as basic household furnishings such as bedding. Other costs include the expenses of staff to deliver and support these critical services.