March is National Red Cross Month!

The month of March is a time to remember and honor the important work of the Red Cross. Because of the essential role the American Red Cross plays in disaster recovery, the following highlights are posted to increase your awareness of just how active and integrated the ARC is in a variety of disaster situations that occurred in 2008 and are still in the recovery phase. If you see someone who works for, or donates time to, the Red Cross...say thank you to them.

• The Recovery Continues: The American Red Cross Response to the 2007 Southern California WildfiresThis document summarizes the Red Cross response to the October 2007 California wildfires and provides various statistics from mass care operations. It also lists partner organizations and contains a financial overview of the costs of relief efforts.
• Shelter Operations: Encouraging Volunteers to Complete American Red Cross TrainingEmergency managers should encourage potential shelter volunteers to complete American Red Cross Shelter Management courses before joining shelter operations. This can help improve shelter management and coordination within shelters as well as with emergency operations centers.
• A Year of Healing: The American Red Cross Responses to Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and WilmaThis document summarizes the American Red Cross's response to Hurricane Katrina both immediately after the storm and since the storm. It includes various statistics regarding how many people they assisted, how many meals they distributed to families, etc. It also includes first-hand accounts from Red Cross volunteers who helped in the response effort, as well as examples of other organizations and programs that supplemented the Red Cross' efforts.
• American Red Cross Hurricane Safety TipsThese safety tips from the Red Cross are designed to help the public prepare for the possibility of disaster before a hurricane strikes.