The Valdosta Chapter teaches Disaster planning to area groups and organizations. These programs cover developing family disaster plans, assembling disaster supply kits and evacuation planning. We are prepared to provide immediate assistance to families affected by the disaster. After a damage assessment is completed, assistance may include vouchers for food, temporary housing and clothing. In addition to basic assistance, the Valdosta Chapter offers prescription cards to replace lost medicine or related necessities. Clients' needs are determined on a case-by-case basis.

Three Actions - Be Red Cross Ready

Get a Kit
"Gather the necessary supplies you need to act on your plan in the event of a disaster. Have at least three-days of supplies in an easy-to-carry evacuation kit with additional supplies at home, in case you cannot leave. Your kit should contain supplies so you can provide first aid and comfort for the everyday scrapes, as well as personal supplies for life-threatening emergencies or a disaster that may impact the entire community. Encourage your neighbors, work places and community groups to gather supplies so they are prepared too. Remember to check your kit and replace the stock every six months."
The supplies include items that people need everyday - even if there is not a disaster -- such as food, water, clothes, medicines and medical items. Other items may only be needed if there is a disaster or an emergency, such as a flashlight, first aid kit, protective eyewear and gloves.

Make a Plan
"Decide what you and your family will do when your daily routines are disrupted by an emergency. Plan together what each person is expected to do, where everyone will go, and how to get there. Write down your plan, share it with each other and then practice it at least twice a year. Support your community plans by volunteering in the community and by giving blood. If you plan to help your community recover from a disaster by volunteering with the Red Cross or another organization, make certain your plan includes how you will assist your neighbors while taking care of yourself and family. If a family member is in the military, also plan for how your response would change if they are deployed. Be sure to include the local military base resources that may be available."

Be Informed
"Learn about what disasters or emergencies may occur where you live, work and play. These events can impact only you and your family - like a home fire or medical emergency - or impact your entire community - like an earthquake or flood. Learn what you can do to prepare for these events by visiting your local Red Cross chapter and ask about local disasters and First Aid and CPR/AED training. Identify how local authorities will notify you during a disaster and how you will get important information, including local radio, TV and NOAA weather radio. Share what you have learned with your family, household and neighbors to encourage them to be informed too."

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Disaster Emergency Services:
Each year around the country, American Red Cross Chapters respond immediately to more than 70,000 disasters, including house or apartment fires (the majority of disaster responses), hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, tornadoes, hazardous materials spills, transportation accidents, explosions, and other natural and man-made disasters.

Health & Safety Education and Community Services:
The American Red Cross is committed to keeping people safe at home and at work. The Valdosta Chapter conducts trainings in CPR, First Aid, Automated External Defibrillator, Babysitting and HIV/AIDS prevention.