In 1905, the Red Cross was chartered by Congress to carry on a system of national and international relief in time of peace and apply the same in mitigating the sufferings caused by pestilence, famine, fire, floods, and other great national calamities, and to devise and carry on measures for preventing the same. The Charter is not only a grant of power, but also an imposition of duties and obligations to the nation, to all disaster victims, and those who support the Red Cross mission with their donations.

American Red Cross Martin County Chapter disaster relief provides immediate help for emergency disaster-caused needs. When a disaster threatens or strikes, your American Red Cross Martin County Chapter provides shelter, food and health and mental services to address the basic human needs of your friends and neighbors in Martin County.

The most prevalent disaster on an ongoing basis in Martin County is a single-family fire. When your fire department or an affected family calls the Red Cross, Disaster Action Teams respond immediately, usually to the scene of the disaster, and provide lodging meals clothing and personal items. Additional assistance with the family comes in the form of rent; grocery items and even donated household furnishings to ensure all disaster caused emergency needs have been met. In 2002, the Martin County Chapter provided disaster assistance to 127 adults and children who lost thier homes due to fire and provided drinks, snacks and food to 140 firefighters.

Community Disaster Education

Each year, Red Cross strives to provide life-saving disaster education to every member of our communities. From teaching children in the classroom the basics of fire prevention to providing critical hurricane preparedness information during the Annual Hurricane Fair, American Red Cross provides information needed to prepare for and survive a disaster. In the last year alone, more than 10,000 adults and children took part in Community Disaster Education programs.

For information on our mobile Disaster Education Simulator (DES) click here. 

Click here to see our Disaster Services Quarterly Training Calendar