<>    The American Red Cross encourages people to register themselves on the Safe and Well Website., which is accessible at all times via www.redcross.org, or by clicking on the banner link. The Safe and Wll Website is an Internet-based tool that allows those affected by a disaster to let their loved ones know of their well-being. People within a disaster-affected area are able to select and post standard messages. Concerned family members who know the person's current phone number or a complete home address can then search for th posted messages, providing peace of mind.
The American Red Cross is here to help those affected by disasters.  Most people are now familiar with how the American Red Cross helps those affected by major disasters like Hurricane Katrina, but many are unaware of how the American Red Cross helps those affected right in our own back-yard.  Each year the American Red Cross Stark County Chapter responds to over 110 local disaster events, right here in Stark County.  These are disasters that range from single family house fires to opening shelters for the Ice Storms and floods that have occured over the past few years.
LOCAL SINGLE FAMILY DISASTERS Each year the American Red Cross Stark County Chapter responds to over 110 local disaster events. Single family house fires are the most common disaster the American Red Cross responds to across the country. Each and every day, somewhere a family has lost everything they own, their home and their memories to a house fire. And each and every day an American Red Cross trained Disaster Action Teams* member is there to provide comfort, hope, and emergency items, no matter the time of day, time of year or the temperature to those who are affected. We are also there to provide rehabilitation to the emergency workers through our Mass Care Rehab, providing needed drinks and snacks to help keep them going during a long incident. *Click the Disaster Action Team link for more information on DAT Teams		TAKE THE INTRODUCTION TO DISASTER SERVICES COURSE ONLINE TAKE YOUR FIRST STEPS TO JOINING THE AMERICAN RED CROSS DISASTER SERVICES TEAM!!   INTRODUCTION TO DISASTER SERVICES
Major Disasters - National, State or Service Area Local Stark County Chapter Disaster Volunteers can also join the Disaster Services Human Resources (DSHR) system.  These local volunteers give two to three weeks of their time to respond around the countries to Major Disasters like hurricanes, devastating floods and wildfires.  Chapter volunteers provide the chapter with their availability each month letting us know when they can leave and when they have to return.  This information is passed along to the Service Area (Service Area 5, Great Lakes Service Area).  If a major disaster or incident of national significance occurs, the American Red Cross uses these DSHR volunteers to respond and provide relief to those affected.  A DSHR volunteer responds in specialized groups and activities to meet the needs of our clients.  For more information on these groups and activities take the Introduction to Disaster Services Course online or call the Disaster Services Department at 330.453.0146.
Recent Additions to the Services That Your American Red Cross Provides   Disasters and Emergencies can come in many different forms. Learn about two of the newest programs that your American Red Cross are offering to help keep the community safer and better prepared. Pandemic Flu - Learn what to do to reduce your risk and how to respond to a flu outbreak.   The American Red Cross and Philips Lifeline Medical Alert Service are helping you live independently and safely at home. The Lifeline Program Launch Event will be held on May 7th from 11:30am - 1:00pm at The Inn at Belden Village. Buffet lunch followed by a short program and guest speakers including a representative from Congressman Regula's office. Anyone in the medical, care giving or senior services field are encouraged to RSVP to Tim Andreotti, 330-453-0146 ext. 123. details...
Contact us at disaster@stark.redcross.org
Links and Resources: Stark County Fire Fighters Association