We Were There Because of You - The 2008 Disaster Relief Program Annual Review
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We Were There Because of You The 2008 Disaster Relief Program Annual Review
A Message From the
President and CEO
nors and
m er ic an R ed Cross and our do
th e A used by
Every single day, re co ve r fro m th e devastation ca
volunteers help pe
ople ople to perform
ze s. To ge th er , we empower pe
disasters of all si e fa ce of emergencie
s.
y ac ts in th
extraordinar sters that
st ru ck by a number of disa
n w as tornado
In 2008, our natio te r an ot he r: a record-breaking
one af fires
seemed to follow flo od in g in 15 years, major wild
est’s wor st s hitting the
season, the Midw th at ha d ei ght named storm
seas on
and a hurricane
U.S. coast. icans turned
es e tr ag ed ie s, millions of Amer
of th d supplies.
In the aftermath el te r, food, support an
ss fo r sh
to the Red Cro rs for those
op en ed m or e than 1,400 shelte and
With your help, th
e Red Cross
rv ed m or e th an 18 million meals
er their heads an
d se d comfort kits
without a roof ov ds of th ou sa nd s of clean-up an
uted hundre mes.
snacks. We distrib r th os e re tu rn in g to damaged ho
tion fo
to ease the transi d by the
ss th e co un try, I was inspire
saster sites ac ro ors in
As I traveled to di ac he d ou t to help their neighb
re not
or ie s of ev er yd ay Americans who rie s of ou r di sa ster services are
st ficia
ded that the bene lleagues and neig
hbors.
need. I was remin rs , fri en ds , co
e family membe
strangers; they ar ha s he lp ed so many reco
ver
nizatio n th at
be part of an orga ose who extended
a
I am honored to d gr at ef ul to th omic
g adversities an Despite the econ
from such dauntin e 20 0 8 di sa st er s.
r country, your
the survivors of th es throughout ou
helping hand to an d co m pa ni ers was
many families ss string of disast
challenges facing last ye ar ’s re le nt le
t in response to
generous suppor
phenomenal. needed
de liv er he lp an d hope to all who
lping the Red Cro
ss n continue
Thank you for he pe th at those we serve ca
. As 2009 unfo ld s, I ho , vibrant
us this past year su pp or t to he lp us build a strong
d
and your continue
to count on you C ro ss.
American Red
and sustainable
Gail McGovern
EO
President and C
Cover: A
Red Cross disaster worker surveys flooding from the Cedar
River, which inundated much of Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Talia Frenkel/American Red Cross
American Red Cross Disaster Relief
Since its founding in 1881, the opens shelters for those who have
American Red Cross has remained been displaced and provides meals
firmly committed to the fundamental and snacks to evacuees and emergency
principles of humanity, impartiality, workers in the affected area. Our nurses
neutrality, independence, voluntary and trained volunteers deliver first
service, unity and universality. In the aid and may help replace prescription
spirit of our humanitarian mission, medications and eyeglasses or arrange
Red Cross disaster relief services for emergency medical treatment.
are delivered to individuals and Disaster mental health services workers
communities across the nation, free provide support for those suffering from
Talia Frenkel/American Red Cross
of charge. Our donors ensure we have loss and trauma.
the resources and trained volunteers to
The Red Cross also reconnects those
respond when disaster strikes, each and
separated in times of disaster. People
every day.
living inside an affected area can
Red Cross nurse and volunteer Melissa Schultz hugs
Doloris Faust at a shelter in Martinsville, Ind.
Our congressionally-mandated charter—to provide
their local chapter for assistance in
relief to victims of disaster and help people prevent, determining their loved one’s status.
prepare for and respond to emergencies—is a The Red Cross can quickly mobilize
declaration of responsibility and a promise to the teams of employees and volunteers to
nation that we will be there when disaster strikes. provide these services. The Disaster
Services Human Resources system, a
roster of trained national volunteers
Following a disaster, the Red Cross register on the Red Cross Safe and Well
with emergency expertise, is updated
provides mass care (sheltering and Web site, a confidential way to let loved
continuously. Our volunteers include
feeding) services, which are the most ones know of their well-being. Family
mass care specialists, nurses, mental
visible and well known of the Red Cross members and concerned others living
health professionals, logistics specialists
disaster relief activities. The Red Cross outside an affected area can call
and child care providers, among others.
We strive to maintain a cadre of trained
2008 Disaster Relief Operations as of March 2009 volunteers to staff each relief operation
Relief Red Cross Overnight Meals and Clean-up and with enough workers to accommodate
Disaster Type Operations Workers(a) Shelters Stays Snacks Comfort Kits the needs of those affected.
Winter storm 2 235 8 950 9,472 392
Flood 23 9,873 152 11,919 963,336 72,367 This report summarizes our relief
Tornado 40 6,225 84 5,450 576,716 22,067 efforts following the major disasters to
Flood & tornado(b) 7 1,227 39 1,174 113,750 3,044 which we responded in 2008 with the
Hurricane (c)
34 26,080 1,012 497,205 16,557,403 232,357 help of the corporations, organizations,
Wildfire 10 2,644 60 6,009 106,096 4,533
foundations and individuals who
Other events(d) 15 1,944 89 8,989 96,725 2,354
donated generously to the American
TOTAL(e) 131 48,228 1,444 531,696 18,423,498 337,134
Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund.
(a)
“Red Cross Workers” includes the total number of employees and volunteers assigned to the relief operation.
(b)
This is not a combination of floods plus tornadoes. It is a separate category of disaster.
(c)
Eight named storms resulted in 34 disaster relief operations. These figures include information from Dolly, Edouard, Fay, Gustav, Hanna, Ike, Your gift allows us to provide our vital
Lowell and Omar.
(d)
Public events, human-caused or transportation incidents to which we responded. services, and we are grateful for your
(e)
These numbers do not include the tens of thousands of disasters to which our local chapters respond daily. Last year, disaster workers at
more than 700 Red Cross chapters across the country responded to more than 70,000 disasters. support. The Red Cross is always there,
and through your gift, so are you.
1
Winter Storms
Each disaster to which the Red Cross In our shelters, evacuees can expect Indiana Storms
responds presents its own unique set of to find cots, blankets, meals and A strong storm system developed ahead
circumstances, and winter storms can comfort kits that contain hygiene items of a cold front and moved through
be especially unpredictable. A January like toothbrushes and toothpaste— Indiana beginning on January 7, 2008.
storm that might necessitate a Red everything to meet their basic needs The Tippecanoe and Kankakee Rivers
Cross response typically involves heavy until the water recedes. reached record and near-record levels,
snow, ice and widespread, prolonged
power outages.
However, unseasonably high
“Our volunteers are trying to canvass neighborhoods
to determine the magnitude of the damage. It’s
temperatures coupled with heavy rain
can cause rapid snowmelt, resulting
absolutely devastating in the affected areas; we have
homes with major damage.
in dangerous flood conditions. Such
”
conditions prompted two national —Debra Elsner, Executive Director of the American Red Cross
in Tippecanoe County, Ind.
disaster responses in 2008, one of
which took place in northwest Indiana
Mental health counselors are respectively. The water breached a levee
in January.
available to help people cope with the on the Kankakee, flooding agricultural
The immediate challenges of a flood tremendous emotional upheaval a flood areas.
response can include locating and can cause. The trauma of watching your
anc e
placing our trained volunteers, who home flood, rescuing beloved pets and
c t s a t a Gl
themselves may have been directly cherished keepsakes, locating family Fa
tions in
affected by the flood, and identifying members (if a flash flood happens is a s t e r opera rms
rd sto
new, safe shelters when previously during school hours, for example) and 2 majo se to winter kers
re s p o n
d is a s ter wor
s stays
identified locations stand in harm’s way. dealing with injuries sustained during d Cros ernight
235 Re 5 0 o v
During a flooding response, sheltering an evacuation can last for many years, h9
ers wit
8 shelt snacks
has the greatest impact because it unless it is addressed promptly and
2 m e a ls and
9,47
immediately meets the community’s compassionately. p and
392 c lean-u t kits
needs for a safe place to go to escape comfor
rising floodwaters.
Disaster Timeline
Jan Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec
home fires
hurricanes
winter storms winter storms
wildfires
floods
tornadoes
heat wave
2
The Red Cross worked closely with the Indiana Department of
Merck – Committed to Our
Homeland Security, the State Police, the National Guard and others to
Humanitarian Mission
monitor statewide flood and weather conditions, gather information,
anticipate needs and carefully plan its response. When the time came, At Merck, we strive to make a positive
contribution to the communities in which we
the Red Cross was ready.
work and live by supporting a wide range of
As the floodwaters rose, hundreds of people were forced to abandon charitable, educational and environmental
their homes and leave everything behind. Disaster workers welcomed initiatives. The focus of Merck’s disaster
frightened residents into Red Cross shelters with compassion and care relief programs is to provide assistance
for their well-being. during major disasters and to support
efforts in preparedness, preservation and
When the water receded, the Red Cross provided clean-up kits for recovery. Since 1958, The Merck Company
residents returning home. Our disaster workers drove emergency Foundation has supported the work of the
response vehicles (ERVs) through waterlogged neighborhoods to American Red Cross, which responds to
distribute meals and provide emotional support. For residents whose more than 70,000 disasters each year.
homes were lost to the floodwaters, we offered information about “The Merck Company Foundation
additional resources to meet their long-term recovery needs. recognizes the importance of supporting the
humanitarian mission of the Red Cross. We
So many residents of Indiana celebrated the New Year with the highest are specifically committed to enabling the
of hopes, only to find themselves suddenly reeling from the loss of their Red Cross to respond immediately to the
homes and belongings. When they turned to the Red Cross for help, we needs of individuals and families affected by
were there to meet their immediate needs and to help them plan their disaster anywhere across the country,” said
recovery. Geralyn Ritter, Vice President, Global Public
Policy and Corporate Responsibility. “Our
commitment to the Annual Disaster Giving
Program helps the Red Cross secure a
reliable funding base and ensures this.”
Comfort Kits and Clean-Up Kits The Merck Company Foundation has
Immediately after a disaster, the Red Cross provides these kits to pledged $1 million over four years to
affected residents to meet their basic hygiene needs and to help support the American Red Cross Disaster
them clean up their homes. Relief Fund and is proud to be an Annual
Comfort Kits Clean-Up Kits Disaster Giving Program member. In 2008,
Merck made an additional $250,000
Deodorant Sectional handle with mop, broom, contribution to the Red Cross in response
squeegee and push broom heads to its Campaign for Disaster Relief appeal.
Toothbrush
Pail These funds specifically helped support the
Toothpaste
Scrub brush 2008 hurricane relief efforts in the United
Facial tissues States. The Red Cross is grateful to Merck
Sponge
Wash cloth for their lasting partnership.
Disinfectant
Shampoo
Detergent/degreaser
Liquid soap
Bleach
Lotion
Trash bags
Comb
Gloves
Razor
Dust mask
Shaving cream
3
Spring Floods and Tornadoes
We followed our response to January’s
winter storms with a lengthy disaster
response that began in earnest in
February and continued throughout the
spring, when the Midwest experienced
devastating flooding and a record-
breaking tornado season.
Storms and heavy rainfall caused
serious flash flooding in already
saturated areas of the central United
States. Floods are the most frequent and
Talia Frenkel/American Red Cross
costliest natural disasters in terms of
human hardship and economic loss.
The same storms that caused flooding
also spawned several major tornado
outbreaks. According to the National Red Cross Volunteer Rodney Davis delivers a hot meal from an ERV in Lafayette, Tenn.
Weather Service, 87 tornadoes occurred
on February 5, causing 57 deaths in the the affected states to give evacuees a and buildings. The same storm
southeastern part of the country. This place to sleep, get vital information system that spawned one of the worst
marked the beginning of an unusually about available assistance, eat a hot tornado outbreaks in U.S. history also
intense tornado season. The severe meal, talk with mental health workers produced heavy rain in sections of
weather continued into June, when or meet with health services workers Illinois, Indiana and Ohio that were
two more outbreaks resulted in 289 about their healthcare needs. Our still recovering from flooding caused by
confirmed tornadoes. ERVs were loaded with food, water and January’s winter storms.
supplies and deployed to the affected
For the spring floods and tornadoes, the Your gift to the Disaster Relief Fund
communities.
Red Cross mobilized more than 17,000 ensured that affected residents received
the help they needed to face the
“Itable
is with the help of the American public that we are
to respond to the disasters in the Midwest, as
prospect of starting over.
The Red Cross quickly opened shelters
in the affected areas, and disaster
well as the disasters that occur every day in local workers in ERVs circulated through
communities across the country that you may not neighborhoods distributing meals
hear about. Donations to the American Red Cross to grateful residents and emergency
workers. We worked with local public
Disaster Relief Fund can help aid in the recovery for health authorities to meet the basic
”
victims of these and other disasters. needs of our clients by providing first
—Joe Becker, Senior Vice President, Disaster Services aid and replacing essential medications.
Red Cross health and mental health
disaster workers to meet the immediate February 5, 2008
workers provided support to the many
needs of the displaced residents, On February 5, a massive line of
residents struggling to cope with the
with additional workers standing by tornadoes swept across Alabama,
devastation surrounding them.
as the flooding continued to spread. Arkansas, Kentucky, Mississippi and
We opened 275 shelters throughout Tennessee, destroying many homes Because dozens of people lost their
4
lives during the February 5 tornado outbreak, some residents faced
Safe and Well—Reconnecting Families
the prospect of starting over without their loved ones. The Red Cross
When Disaster Strikes
reached out to those individuals overwhelmed with grief and loss
through its mental health counselors and family service specialists The American Red Cross Welfare Information
trained to meet their unique needs. Unit maintains the Safe and Well Web site
as part of its mission to promote family
As our shelters closed, we continued to work closely with our communications planning and preparedness;
partners and local emergency management facilitate notification from “inside” to “outside”
officials, offering disaster-affected areas; manage requests
ce
comprehensive G lan for welfare information and support family
ta reunification.
resources—mental health
c t sa ns i
n d
F a
p e r atio oes an The Safe and Well Web site keeps evacuees
support and first aid, ro nad
i s aste ds, tor rs in touch with loved ones who live outside a
cooking and distributing d
ajor e to flo
o
r w orke
m ste disaster-affected area. Evacuees registering on
meals—and providing 70 pons ons disa ght
res binati o s s o v erni the site can choose from a menu of pre-scripted
information and referrals for com Cr 43
2 5 Red i t h 18,5 messages, including “family and I are safe and
additional assistance. 17,3 elters w well” and “currently at shelter.” Relatives can
sh nd
The spring flooding and 275ys e a ls a also register evacuees on their behalf, giving
st a 2 m cks
tornado season extended well 5 3,80 sna d
friends and family the peace of mind of knowing
1 , 6
n - u p ans everyone is safe.
into June, which heralded lea t ki t
the beginning of a challenging 7 , 4 78 ccomfor
9 2008 Safe and Well Registrations
hurricane season.
February/March Tornadoes 455
March/April Floods 654
May California Wildfires 734
May Tornadoes 1,208
June/July Midwest Flooding 1,675
July California Earthquake 463
Hurricane Season (June-November) 20,143
When family members contact the Red Cross
with concerns about loved ones inside the
disaster area who suffer from life-threatening
illnesses, the Welfare Information Unit
coordinates the efforts of disaster field teams
and our partners to locate and assist those with
health and mental-health needs. In 2008, the
Welfare Information Unit resolved 278 of these
Talia Frenkel/American Red Cross
emergency welfare information requests.
www.safeandwell.org
Also available in Spanish: www.sanoysalvo.org
Carolyn Negley, student and resident assistant at Union University in Jackson, Tenn., Also available via RedCross.org
collected what belongings she could find after her living quarters were almost entirely
destroyed by a tornado. Emergency response vehicle driver Vicki Oczkowicz offers
comfort.
Report: Standing Ready With a Helping Hand: The American Red Cross Response to the Central U.S. Floods and Tornadoes: see the full report on your
gift at work in the central United States on RedCross.org (click on About, then Publications)
5
Summer Hurricanes and Tropical Storms
Before the hurricanes of 2008 Our local partnerships provide great
threatened communities across the insight into the needs of a community.
country, Red Cross chapters reached By working together, we can effectively Ruby Stevens
out to residents in hurricane-prone address the issues of diverse, hard-to- The Perry & Ruby Stevens
areas with preparedness tips and reach populations. Charitable Foundation was
worked to improve each community’s established by Ruby Stevens in
To coordinate the various services
ability to respond to an emergency. We January 2006 in accordance with
of these partners, the Red Cross and her late husband Perry’s wishes.
pre-positioned cots, blankets, comfort
other agencies Stevens established the foundation
kits and other
established the
relief supplies On June 1, the Red Cross Coordinated
to help nonprofit organizations
that, among other things, provide
to be ready at a
marked the beginning of Assistance assistance to victims of natural
moment’s notice. disasters.
hurricane season 2008. Network
This hurricane (CAN) in 2003. “When disaster strikes, Ruby
season, we
It proved to be one of CAN partners knows the American Red Cross
mobilized more the most destructive collaborate to will respond no matter what,” said
than 26,000 Red provide necessary Laurie Milton, the foundation’s
and costliest hurricane Executive Director. “Ruby and her
Cross workers and services to disaster
opened more than seasons in U.S. history. survivors without
late husband, Perry, have been big
believers in the Red Cross as early
1,000 shelters. duplicating
responders, and they know that
We provided an array of services efforts. Someone affected by a disaster
after a disaster, their support can
including sheltering, feeding and can report their needs to any single really help those who need help
physical and mental health counseling. participating agency, and if they the most in a time of crisis.”
Even after the need for emergency elect, the agency will then share
Stevens was inspired to give to
assistance subsided, we worked with their information among member
the Disaster Relief Fund following
community partners to provide ongoing organizations to help them obtain Hurricanes Gustav and Ike. When
support to affected residents. additional services. she observed their devastating
impact and the Red Cross’s swift
and compassionate response
to meet the resulting needs for
disaster relief, she promptly
donated $50,000 to the fund. In
addition, Stevens gives generously
to the American Red Cross Hill
Country Chapter in Texas.
The Red Cross is truly grateful
to Ruby Stevens and the
Gene Dailey/American Red Cross
individual donors like her whose
contributions to the Disaster Relief
Fund help to relieve suffering when
disaster strikes.
Individuals and families line up before a Red Cross emergency response vehicle for meals and bottled water
in Wallisville, Texas, after Hurricane Ike knocked out power to their neighborhood.
Report: A Sure Presence: The American Red Cross Response to the Hurricanes of 2008: see the full report on your gift at work RedCross.org
(click on About, then Publications)
6
To date, 378 agencies have signed communities in Ike’s path. For the many
Participating Agency Agreements with diverse communities affected by Ike, we NAJIT – Bridging the
CAN. partnered with the National Council of Communications Gap
La Raza, the National Association for During Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the
Hurricane Ike the Advancement of Colored People, American Red Cross recognized a gap
While we were still helping those National Disabilities Rights Network, in the services we provided. Our critical
messages regarding shelter locations
affected by earlier spring and summer Tzu Chi Foundation and United Jewish
or service centers, for example, were
storms, particularly Hurricane Gustav, Communities, among others.
not understood by all communities
we were preparing for Hurricane Ike’s affected by the storm due to language
Hurricane Ike made landfall on
landfall. According to National Weather barriers.
September 13 near Galveston, Texas, as
Service resources, the storm’s projected
a strong Category 2 storm with winds Today, the Red Cross has access to
path indicated landfall along the Florida
of 110 mph. Texas and a team of certified linguists to assist
Panhandle and Texas coast. with relief efforts for the non-English
Louisiana bore the brunt
Emergency
a G l ance of this dangerous storm.
speaking, deaf, hard-of-hearing and the
at
officials in those Fa c t s Millions of people
limited-English-proficient population.
ns
areas, with whom
a s t e r operatio and lost electricity, and
The Red Cross is proud to partner with
r dis anes the National Association of Judiciary
the Red Cross 34 majoonse to hurric
in resp l storms s thousands more were Interpreters and Translators (NAJIT),
was in constant
p ic a a s t e r worker
o
tr ross dis evacuated. leveraging the language expertise of its
communication,
, 0 8 0 Red C 7 , 2 0 5 members, who stand ready to volunteer
2 6 ith 4 9
urged residents to elters w Hurricane Ike’s effects
1 ,012 sh t stays and offer their help, either through
prepare without h were widespread.
overnig and on-site or virtual deployment in times of
delay. , 4 0 3 meals In addition to Texas disaster. NAJIT interpreters help bridge
16,557 snacks
p and and Louisiana, the Red the linguistic divide that sometimes
When Ike failed to
, 3 5 7 clean-u t kits Cross opened shelters in separates people from the help they
follow the predicted 232 comfor
Indiana, Missouri, Ohio, need. Currently, more than 1,300
path, charting its own NAJIT interpreters and translators
Michigan and Kentucky for
course toward Texas, representing 100 languages are on
evacuees. Trained Red Cross disaster
we quickly relocated disaster workers to call for the Red Cross in the event of a
workers from every state responded. disaster.
Texas to supplement the 1,500 already
there, and we collaborated with our After the storm, we remained actively This past year, NAJIT assisted the Red
partners in disaster response to serve the committed to meeting individual and Cross in relief efforts for Hurricanes
family needs. We facilitated the search Dolly, Gustav and Ike, and Tropical
for long-term housing and located Storm Edouard. “NAJIT is proud to be a
partner with the Red Cross,” said Isabel
additional resources available through
Framer, NAJIT Chair. “We are grateful
the community agencies that partnered
to the Red Cross for bringing this
with us. partnership together. Our membership
The 2008 hurricane season will of professional interpreters is a real
asset for the Red Cross efforts on the
be remembered as one of the most
ground during national disasters and,
destructive and costliest hurricane together, we will be able to better serve
seasons in U.S. history. Through it
Talia Frenkel/American Red Cross
all of our communities.” The Red Cross
all, the Red Cross worked tirelessly to couldn’t agree more.
anticipate and meet the needs of those
we serve and to provide safe shelter from
the storms.
Star Ponthieux reaches into a comfort kit in a Red
Cross shelter in Port Allen, La., after Hurricane Gustav.
7
Fall Wildfires
As the hurricane season came to an We circulated throughout the affected and the friendships they made in their
end, wildfires spread across parts of neighborhoods in ERVs and distributed neighborhood.
California. In mid-November, gusting clean-up kits to residents who were
Red Cross disaster worker Tracey Kiest
winds and dry conditions fueled several beginning to clean up the damage
reported from the Sylmar shelter where
explosive wildfires that burned out of the fires caused. We also identified
many of the evacuated residents were
control. additional resources to facilitate
staying. “I just ran into a gentleman
recovery.
As scores of homes burned, residents who was in tears,” she said. “It was the
from Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, first time he had been able to see his
The Sayre Fire
Orange and Riverside Counties escaped house, and there wasn’t anything left.
The Sayre Fire that tore through Los
and found a safe haven with the Red The coffee pot had melted onto the
Angeles County destroyed hundreds
Cross. Red Cross disaster workers stove. He remarked that the birds were
of units at the Oakridge Mobile Home
provided shelter, meals and much- looking for food—he leaves birdseed out
Park in Sylmar, a community of elderly
needed physical and mental health for the birds. He lost four generations
residents living on fixed incomes.
support. The latter assistance was worth of antiques. After he
particularly welcome to people who Residents’ immediate physical health dried his tears he
were forced to evacuate with nothing needs included the replacement of Fa said, ‘You
cts
but the clothes they wore. durable medical equipment such as a taG
10 m lanc
wheelchairs and walkers for the many resp ajor dis e
With our partners, we sheltered and fed onse aste
seniors affected by the wildfire. The 2,64 to w r oper
4 Re ildfire ation
hundreds of evacuees at the height of d Cr s s in
residents also benefited from their 60 s o s
the fires. We served thousands of meals h s disas
contacts with Red Cross mental health stays elters w ter w
and snacks to evacuees, emergency ith 6 orke
106, , 009 rs
professionals as they mourned the loss 096 over
responders and residents who visited m
ea n ight
our shelters for the latest news of the
of their homes, the heirlooms passed
4,53 snac ls and
3 c le ks
down through generations of families an-u
fires’ impact on their neighborhoods. com p and
fort k
its
Gene Dailey/American Red Cross
Red Cross disaster worker Tracey Kiest surveys the remnants of the Oakridge Mobile Home Park, a community that was destroyed by the Sayre Fire, in Sylmar, Calif.
8know what? It’s going to be okay. We’re
going to make it.’”
Fires are unpredictable and move as the
winds shift, but the Red Cross is reliable
even in the most difficult situations.
After the fires were out, we remained
on site to partner with local, state and
federal representatives committed to
the ongoing recovery from the Sayre
Fire.
As we completed our disaster relief
operations in California, we were also
looking ahead to January 2009 to
Daphne Hart/American Red Cross
ensure the necessary supplies will be
available to those who need us now and
those who will surely need us in the
coming months.
Red Cross volunteers Pedro Polidano and Alex Padilla bring clean-up supplies to the residents of a home
that was damaged by wildfires in Yorba Linda, Calif.
Dear Red Cross,
Thank you so much for giving these meals to all of these people. It really means
a lot to everyone. My class and I really appreciate your time. Thank you again!
Yours Fondly,
Sara, age 10
Q&A With Red Cross Volunteer Dana McKinley
Where do you volunteer?
I’m a Disaster Action Team member and a Service to the Armed Forces volunteer for the Key Chapter
in Meridian, Miss. I am also active with our emergency management and homeland security units and
serve on both teams as an American Red Cross representative.
How did you get involved with the Red Cross?
I was a volunteer fireman and saw what a single-family fire really did—how big the disaster is in the clients’ eyes. I myself
was battling some medical problems and really wanted to quit. My family took me to the Red Cross. Two days later it was
September 11 and I started taking the classes and my medical situation improved beyond the doctor’s diagnosis.
How has the Red Cross changed your life?
The Red Cross saved my life! I found that instead of crying on my problems, that folks had bigger problems than I. It was
time to get going; so today I am still going strong and serve with my chapter and my community as a volunteer fireman and
EMS provider. Thank you Red Cross for caring about this volunteer and seeing the true heart that I have. I know that we
have so many with the same heart that I have, and I feel honored to represent all of them.
9Responding Today...
When disaster strikes, the human need Convention provides the work force Mental Health Services
is obvious. People lose their homes, and the kitchens, and the Red Cross The Disaster Mental Health Team is
their possessions and, sometimes, their provides supplies and logistics. part of our disaster response from
loved ones. When the Red Cross arrives beginning to end. Our team of licensed
on the scene, we establish shelters, Health and Mental Health mental health professionals includes
provide meals, offer first aid, distribute Services counselors, marriage and family
comfort and clean-up kits and ensure When disaster strikes, there is often no therapists, psychiatrists, psychologists,
those who need physical and mental time to pack bags, refill prescriptions or social workers and psychiatric nurses.
health support can meet with one of our collect personal items. Disaster-induced
trained disaster workers. stress and trauma compound pre-
existing medical conditions. In these
Your gift to the Disaster Relief Fund State Farm–Partners Since
situations, Red Cross health and mental
allows us to maintain our disaster World War II
health professionals meet individual
relief program in a constant state of With a relationship dating back to
needs and provide referrals.
readiness. World War II, State Farm–through
Health Services corporate contributions, agent and
Feeding and Sheltering Approximately 3,000 medical employee matching gift programs and
As soon as the area is safe for entry, the professionals, including doctors, agents and employees who donate
Red Cross circulates through disaster- nurses, emergency medical technicians, their time as volunteers and blood
donors–is a long-term partner to
affected neighborhoods, identifying pharmacists and other specialists,
the American Red Cross. Through
needs and delivering food, supplies and volunteer with the Red Cross during
this multifaceted partnership, State
information to residents planning their disasters, providing first aid, medical Farm is a member of the Annual
recovery. In most cases, we can provide assessments, triage and other services Disaster Giving Program, a sponsor
nearly a million meals per day within to disaster survivors. of Red Cross events and a significant
72 hours, thanks to the hard work of provider of blood donations through
An important partnership during times its employee base. State Farm and
Red Cross disaster workers and our
of a federally declared disaster is our the Red Cross have worked together
partners. Often, the Southern Baptist
Emergency Prescription Assistance on a variety of projects throughout the
Program (EPAP), which allows years.
pharmacies to provide medications When disaster strikes, the public turns
to those affected by a disaster who do to the Red Cross and State Farm.
not have any form of health coverage Whether it is a house fire that leaves
for replacing their prescriptions and one family homeless or a hurricane
essential durable medical equipment. that devastates an entire region, Red
Cross disaster workers and State
During Hurricanes Gustav and Ike,
Farm agents and employees are an
the EPAP filled more than 30,000
important presence after a disaster.
medication and durable medical We share a vital mission: helping to
equipment requests at a cost of nearly pick up the pieces of shattered lives.
$1.7 million.
State Farm continued its generous
Similarly, VSP® Vision Care partners support of the Red Cross again in
Gene Dailey/American Red Cross
with the Red Cross to provide 2008 with a significant contribution of
$1 million. We appreciate State Farm’s
comprehensive eye exams and eyewear
steadfast commitment to our disaster
to those who have lost or damaged their
relief program.
eyeglasses during these events.
As residents started to evacuate Mississippi
ahead of Hurricane Gustav, Red Cross shelters
awaited them.
10We offer the following services: To join this team, health care equipment is shipped as the operation
• Triage and assessment professionals volunteer their vacation progresses.
• Crisis intervention time, often at a moment’s notice, to
The Red Cross contracts with multiple
• Client advocacy serve on a disaster relief operation.
partners to ensure continuous cell
• Referring clients to local providers to phone coverage. At any given time,
support their continuing needs
Disaster Services Technology
the team can switch cellular phones
• Supervising and supporting Red Cross One of the first things to sustain damage
to ensure they can communicate after
workers providing psychological first aid during a disaster is a community’s
a disaster.
• Monitoring and alleviating infrastructure. Often, cellular services
organizational stress may be down or overloaded, and power To support the technology team, the
• Providing bereavement support outages can disrupt other networking Red Cross currently has a partnership
capabilities. The Disaster Services with Best Buy’s BlueShirt Corps, a
F.M. Kirby Foundation, Inc.– Technology Team manages Red Cross service group that provides tech support
Making the Impossible Possible technical needs during a disaster, from the company’s Geek Squad Agents
including voice communications, and BlueShirts. We also team with
The F.M. Kirby Foundation, Inc., a family
data transmissions, computer access, the American Radio Relay League of
foundation located in Morristown,
N.J., has supported the American Red satellite coverage, cell phones, fax amateur radio operators and numerous
Cross for 19 years, most recently with capabilities and networking. All of these other vendors and partners to ensure
a generous gift of $500,000 to the capabilities include backup systems. success.
Disaster Relief Fund. Like the F.M. Kirby
Foundation, the Red Cross believes Within the first 24 to 48 hours of an Our ability to act quickly when disaster
that “when people unite in a charitable operation, a technology team and strikes is a result of our ongoing
cause that is right and good, the an initial shipment of supplies are readiness activities. Our services
impossible becomes possible.” deployed. Supplies are warehoused represent the culmination of a year-
Since 1992, the Foundation has in Austin, Texas, and are transported round process of strategic planning,
given gifts to the Red Cross totaling overnight by FedEx through a generous organization and preparation between
$6,325,000, and in 2007, the F.M. Kirby corporate sponsorship. Additional the Red Cross and our partners.
Foundation also donated $100,000
toward a bloodmobile for the Penn-
...Preparing for Tomorrow
Jersey Blood Services Region.
In addition, the F.M. Kirby Foundation
generously supports blood donor
programs and disaster relief and Past large disasters, such as Hurricane within these areas and our ability to
preparedness at chapters in Morristown Katrina, have shown us that we must meet those needs.
and Summit, N.J., and Wilkes-Barre, Pa. be willing to prepare for the seemingly
The very best resource our organization
The F.M. Kirby Foundation’s philosophy unimaginable. We must be ready to act
has when disaster strikes is a strong
of giving is that “private philanthropy, when a catastrophic disaster strikes.
local chapter tied into the fabric of its
at its best, if provided compassionately
and prudently, encourages self-reliance Future disasters could be large enough community, working daily with local
and diminishes government’s role. to require a different approach in the emergency responders. As we build
Dedicated grantors and grantees, areas of organizational readiness, com- more resilient communities, the Red
working together, tend to ennoble and munity partner collaboration, indi- Cross and our partners will gain a
enrich our society.” vidual preparedness and sustainability. deeper understanding of the needs of
The Red Cross deeply appreciates the Through our chapters and with our each area. We are committed to keep-
F.M. Kirby Foundation’s long-standing local partners, we will reach deeply and ing our donors and partners informed
support and looks forward to our widely into our communities to close about our innovative and vital work in
continued partnership. the gap between the anticipated needs the months and years ahead.
11Your Gift at Work in 2008
Food and Shelter Emergency Call Centers and Communications
The Red Cross provides regular meals in its shelters as Costs include people and resources used to provide connectivity
well as through mobile distribution and additional fixed sites infrastructure and critical information, including locations of Red
for affected residents and responders. Through effective Cross service sites for shelter, food and distribution of emergency
partnerships with government and community organizations, relief items. COST: $7,333,000
the Red Cross ensures that shelters meet the needs of
individual communities. COST: $60,298,000 Disaster Systems
Costs include the IT systems to record casework and recruit,
Logistical Support manage and deploy volunteers. COST: $5,590,000
A disaster relief response requires a vast reserve of resources
and volunteers. Managing these resources requires real Physical and Mental Health Services
estate, logistical support and vendor agreements that Costs may include basic first aid, replacing prescriptions and
exceed local capabilities. Associated costs include, but are emotional support. COST: $1,915,000
not limited to, rented space for shelter facilities, disaster
response headquarters and warehousing, vehicle rental, fleet Disaster Welfare Information
management, fuel and other necessities. COST: $24,130,000 Costs include the maintenance and operation of the Red
Cross Safe and Well Web site and a toll-free information line.
Emergency Assistance to Families COST: $148,000
and Individuals
Red Cross client caseworkers meet with individuals affected by
disaster to offer assistance and identify any special needs such Total cost of 2008 disaster services: $161,329,000
as planning their long-term recovery to ensure that they are safely
accommodated. COST: $20,951,000 Funds donated in 2008: $132,625,000
Readiness and Partnering The past year was an extremely active one for disasters. The
The Red Cross provides planning and preparedness for American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund paid for more than 130
disasters. Readiness and capacity development provides a large-scale relief operations in 2008, including 40 tornadoes, 34
means to actively build capacity and to evaluate the potential hurricane-related operations, 23 floods and 10 wildfires. Every
needs of the community ahead of events. The Red Cross year, the Red Cross spends an average of $100 million on its
also focuses on capacity enhancement of relationships with disaster services program.
both government and non-government organizations to All of these disaster services were paid for by the Disaster
ensure a coordinated, immediate and effective response. Relief Fund and made possible by the generous support of
COST: $15,358,000 corporations, foundations and individuals. However, the cost of
providing this critical disaster relief in 2008 rapidly outpaced
Fundraising Costs/Management contributions to the Red Cross, depleting our Disaster Relief
and General Fund. In September 2008, the Red Cross launched the
The Red Cross manages a large number of contributions Campaign for Disaster Relief to raise $100 million for the
from philanthropic donors who help meet the costs of relief Disaster Relief Fund. As of May 2009, we have raised more
operations. These costs include essential services in support than $91 million.
of the Red Cross disaster relief effort, such as finance and
accounting, legal and auditing fees and public information
outreach. These contributions enable the Red Cross to Expenses (in thousands)
respond to disasters and to fulfill our mission.
Food and Shelter
COST: $14,520,000 37%—$60,298
Logistical Support 15%—$24,130
Disaster Operations Management Emergency Assistance to Families and Individuals 13%—$20,951
The Red Cross has a team of people who coordinate the
response to national disasters by deploying human and Readiness and Partnering 10%—$15,358
material resources for disaster response. They also provide Fudraising Costs/Management and General 9%—$14,520
guidance and support on a 24/7 basis to disaster relief Disaster Operations Management 7%—$11,087
operations and chapters and share critical information with
partners in government and voluntary disaster relief agencies. Emergency Call Centers and Communications 5%—$7,333
COST: $11,087,000 Disaster Systems 3%—$5,590
Physical and Mental Health Services 1%—$1,915
Disaster Welfare InformationThank You
We can never be certain what the
future will bring, but two things
always hold true: first, we must be
prepared for the worst; second, we
know we will be ready with the help
of our partners—the corporations,
Daniel Cima/American Red Cross
foundations, individuals and
organizations who join with us every
year to provide disaster relief.
In April 2007, a fire destroyed the Martinez family’s home. The Red Cross provided them with food,
clothing and emergency assistance to help them get back on their feet. In September 2008, the
The Red Cross is engaged in some type Red Cross provided the Martinez family with shelter from Tropical Storm Hanna. Here, thirteen-
year-old Teresa Martinez smiles at a Red Cross disaster worker in the shelter where her family
of disaster relief operation 24 hours a found refuge.
day, 365 days a year, and your gift to
our Disaster Online Newsroom, or at People who turn to the Red Cross in
the Disaster Relief Fund allows us to
your favorite networking site such as their darkest hour know they can rely
provide our vital life-saving services.
Flickr, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, on that trusted symbol of disaster relief
From January through December LinkedIn and SocialVibe. to see them through. Fulfilling our
2008, we responded to 131 large-scale humanitarian mission is only possible
Your gift to the American Red Cross
disasters. We helped the survivors of with the support of partners like you.
Disaster Relief Fund made our
the worst flooding in the central United
response possible. By supporting the
States in 15 years, a record number of
Red Cross, you ensure that we can put Thank you for
tornadoes, an active hurricane season
in place disaster supplies, vehicles, your belief in the
and late fall wildfires.
facilities and workers. We ensure the American Red Cross.
To learn more, please visit us at availability of our resources 24 hours a
RedCross.org, where you can find day, every day.
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