| Disaster Services |
The Disaster Services Office of the Capital Area Chapter provides immediate assistance in times of disasters. This could include sheltering, feeding, and financial assistance to individuals and families. The functions of Disaster Services includes:
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Mass Care Provides congregate shelter facilities and fixed and mobile
food services to workers in a disaster area. Provides bulk distribution of supplies and commodities to
people affected by the disaster.
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| Damage Assessment Determines the size and scope of a disaster and the level of damage sustained
by dwellings within the affected area. Develops and distributes statistical data related to the effects
of a disaster and demographics of affected populations.
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Family Services Delivers emergency financial assistance to affected individuals and families,
and refers persons affected by the disaster to the resources of government and/or non-government agencies.
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| Logistics Procures and distributes supplies and materials required for a disaster relief
organization; establishes and operates warehouses; programs and manages all vehicles used on or in
support of the operation; establishes a courier and shuttle service; acquires and maintains facilities.
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Liaison Establishes and maintains working relationships between the chapter and other local
organizations that would facilitate recovery. Examples include other American Red Cross chapters,
labor unions, non American Red Cross voluntary agencies, and human interest organizations such as
elder and minority interest groups.
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| Public Affairs Provides information about American Red Cross services available to people
affected by disasters; provides information to the general public about Disaster Relief, serves as
liaison with all media, and provides general public affairs support to the operation.
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Staffing Recruits, places, administers, supports, and recognizes paid and
volunteer staff, usually from outside the affected units assigned to the operation.
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| Health Services Delivers American Red Cross health services on a Disaster Relief Operation.
Arranges for emergency and/or additional assistance in meeting individual or family health needs,
provides health services staff in American Red Cross shelters and other facilities, provides health
care for staff assigned to disaster operations.
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Mental Health Services Mental Health Services: Delivers mental health services on a disaster operation. Works with
and assists local community mental health providers in ensuring that appropriate human and material
resources are available to meet the emergency and/or long term emotional needs of the affected
individuals, families, and communities. Identifies and meets the disaster related mental health needs
of disaster workers and their families.
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| Communications Establishes and maintains communications systems
within a disaster relief operation, including telephone, wire service, radio and other media, and serves
as liaison with voluntary groups providing such services to the operation.
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Administration Plans, organizes, staffs, directs, and
controls all functional activities on an American Red Cross operation. Establishes, maintains,
and closes the operation; prepares estimates for and administers an approved budget; and
establishes and maintains effective working relationships with unit and national officials,
government agencies, and community organizations and groups.
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The Capital Area Chapter's Disaster Services Office provides extensive Disaster Services training courses for volunteers.
The chapter has numerous Disaster Action Teams (DATs) for our eight-county jurisdiction which are on-call to respond to local emergencies, such as single-family fires, in order to assist the families in receiving food, shelter and clothing.
The chapter conducts conduct Disaster Resistant Neighborhood activities to prepare for hurricanes, fires, floods, etc.
If you an employee of The State of Florida, Leon County or the City of Tallahassee. You could become eligible for 15 days of Disaster Leave by becoming an American Red Cross Disaster Services Volunteer.
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