1. The American Red Cross is well known for the support it provides during disasters. How do you help in my community?
Virtually every other day of the year, your Red Cross chapter is responding to a disaster somewhere in Rhode Island. Disasters can be floods, storms, or hurricanes, but in our state, most disasters are fires. We respond to nearly 200 house fires each year. We don’t put the fires out; instead we’re there to help the individuals and families who are displaced and have no where to go. This means help for over 1,100 adults and children every year.
Thanks to hundreds of Red Cross trained volunteers, we are able to respond day or night. Your Red Cross provides families immediate emergency assistance of shelter, food, clothing and mental health services to help them get back on their feet, and follow-up support to make sure they have a healthy recovery. And when disaster strikes in other states, or a world away, we send volunteers to aid victims around the country and around the globe.
2. So who pays for these services?
The American Red Cross is not a government agency. To provide critical services to more than XXX people a year in Rhode Island, your local Red Cross relies on support from generous individuals, corporations, and foundations. Without this support we couldn’t provide CPR and first aid training so that you can save a life, teach young people to be better prepared babysitters, or be there for individuals and families whenever or wherever disaster strikes.
3. How can I help?
You can start by helping yourself, your family and your community. Disasters can occur any place and anytime. For more information about how you and your family can “Be Red Cross Ready."
You can also help your community by becoming a volunteer—trained to respond to disasters or to assist in emergency shelters.
You can also help your chapter by volunteering to assist with office work and special events. To find out more about volunteer opportunities.
