Here to serve in times of need

The mission of American Red Cross Disaster Services is to ensure nationwide disaster planning, preparedness, community disaster, education, mitigation, and response that will provide the American people with quality services delivered in a uniform, consistent, and responsive manner.

All Red Cross disaster assistance is given free of charge, made possible by the generous contribution of people’s time, money, and skills. Long before a disaster strikes, the Red Cross plans what it will do. A disaster response plan identifies what it will take to respond to various disasters, what resources are needed, and how they will be coordinated and used.

As part of the planning process, Red Cross chapters also practice by participating in drills and exercises. Such planning enables chapters to respond efficiently and effectively. Every Red Cross chapter works continuously to be ready to respond by coordinating and collaborating with its disaster relief partners. As part of this process, chapters identify places to set up shelters and service centers, make arrangements with vendors for needed supplies, and work with local merchants.

The ability to respond also depends on having people who are trained and ready. Each year the Red Cross trains thousands of people who can then provide consistent, quality services to people affected by disasters. If you are interested in being a disaster volunteer visit to our Volunteer page to learn more.

As an individual, there is something you can do to improve any disaster situation: prepare yourself ahead of time in order to be Red Cross Ready.

Get Involved

Taking classes is a great way to prepare to help yourself and the chapter prepare to respond to disasters.  We rely on dedicated volunteers like you.  To learn more about becoming a trained American Red Cross disaster volunteer, please the disaster course calendar below.

To learn more about specific courses, see the disaster course descriptions.