Disaster Services

In keeping with the mission of the American Red Cross, Disaster Services will provide nationwide, timely, innovative and effective planning, preparedness and relief that enhances the ability of people to anticipate, survive and recover from disasters.

Red Cross Definition of Disaster

A disaster is an impending or occurring event that is destructive enough to dislocate people, separate family members, damage or destroy homes, and injure or kill people. A disaster produces a range and level of immediate suffering and basic human needs that cannot be promptly or adequately addressed by the affected people and prevents them from initiating and proceeding with recovery efforts.

Red Cross relief services are provided to minimize the immediate, disaster-caused suffering of people affected by a disaster through the provision of food, clothing and shelter, as well as medical, nursing and mental health assistance.

Major Disasters in Rowan County

The Chapter works diligently to prepare for the event we all hope will never occur, i.e. tornado, fire, pandemic, flood, etc. The Chapter prepares by training volunteers in shelter management, mass feeding, damage assessment, communications and other skills required in a major disaster. The Chapter also identifies and certifies facilities to be used as mass shelters throughout Rowan County and stocks and stores food, water and equipment that would be needed in a major emergency. Our goal is to be ready to assist the community and government agencies as much as possible in a difficult time.

Local and Home Disasters

In Rowan County, the E.H. Dole Chapter responds to, and provides assistance for local emergencies such as home fires, ice storms, heat emergencies and other isolated events. Consistent with available resources, the Red Cross provides temporary assistance to Rowan County residents (usually no more than 2-3 days) who are victims of a home disaster. The Chapter will provide food, clothing, shelter and transportation (if needed) for displaced families at no cost. We will refer those in need of longer assistance to agencies equipped for those services. All Red Cross assistance is a gift from the Rowan County donors, those who have given to the E.H. Dole Chapter.

If you believe you are the victim of an emergency or home disaster that might qualify for Red Cross assistance, call us immediately at 704-633-3854.