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Preparing to Respond |
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Every
Red Cross chapter works continuously to be ready
to respond by coordinating and collaborating with
its disaster 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. |
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Mitigation |
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Every
The Red Cross is engaged in several activities that support mitigation--actions
or measures that can either prevent the occurrence of a disaster or reduce the
severity of its effects--and that can help save lives and property. From
promoting mitigation awareness to serving as advocates and helping identify
mitigation resources, the Red Cross works together with the federal government
to support the nation in taking more proactive steps to better protect people
and property from disasters. |
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Responding |
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When a disaster threatens or strikes, dedicated paid and
volunteer staff in over 1,300 communities around
the country respond to the immediate needs of
their neighbors. They provide services to those
affected to help them return to independent living
as soon as possible. When a disaster exceeds the
resources of the local Red Cross unit, the
nationwide network of people and material
resources is activated. This network of trained
disaster workers is comprised of people from all
walks of life and all segments of the community,
including youth and young adults. They offer
skills and bring their life experiences to help
when needed. Material resources--supplies,
vehicles, communications equipment, etc.--are
strategically located around the United States,
its territories and possessions, and ready to move
into a disaster-affected area at a moments's
notice. |
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Public Safety |
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The Red Cross is involved in helping individuals
and families learn how to get
ready, stay safe, cope, and recover from disasters through Community Disaster
Education. The more you know, the better you'll be able prepare for and deal
with a disaster, if it strikes.
Recent disaster activity, including several major fires, and severe weather
have put a strain on our resources, as well as our volunteers. Through it all,
we have continue to provide the best services we can to our clients. Among our
goals for the next fiscal year we hope to put a multi-purose vehicle into
service to assist in our service delivery, as well as increasing our volunteer
base. If you are interested in becoming a Disaster Services volunteer, please
contact our office.
The chapter regularly schedules basic level disaster courses
throughout the year.
The chapter also participates in drills at the local, and state level. This
is done with the cooperation of the Emergency Management Agency.
In 1993, our county Emergency Management Agency and the emergency
communications moved from the county courthouse to their present location on
Centre Street in Pottsville. This was done in corelation with the county
activating its enhanced 911 system. Below is a picture of the 911 Center with
our Red Cross vehicle parked in front. |
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