American Red Cross

South Central Connecticut Chapter

Disaster Services Overview

The Red Cross has organized Disaster Action Teams (DAT) to ensure that trained Red Cross workers respond immediately to local disasters, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The DAT provides immediate emergency assistance to those affected by a disaster. Residential fires are our most common disaster response. For larger scale disasters, the chapter has teams of trained volunteers in disaster relief functions.

Red Cross Disaster Assistance

· Temporary housing in a local motel when 19 people of less are affected. If 20 or more,  we work with the community to set up a Red Cross Shelter or Town Shelter

· Vouchers for food

· Vouchers for clothing

· Crisis counseling and emotional support (Victims and Rescue Workers)

· Referrals to other agencies

· Canteen / Mass Care Service for extended incidents (4 hours or more)

Assistance is provided after a damage assessment review and on a case by case scenario.

Once a client meets Red Cross criteria, financial assistance is valid for clients up to 72 hours from the time of the incident

When to call the Red Cross

Residential Fires with:

· Individuals and families left homeless or with no other practical place to stay;

Regardless if they have insurance home owners or renters

· Clothing is destroyed by fire; Regardless if family has an immediate, alternate housing

· Individuals, families, and rescue workers requiring crisis counseling

We work closely with the Fire Chief, Fire Marshal, or Incident Commander to obtain damage assessment

Other emergency situations with:

· Evacuations of residential and/or commercial buildings

· Mass Causalities incidents (Railroad, Aviation, or other large scale MCI)

· Extended Search and Rescue operations (expected more than 4 hours)

· Other incidents or operations (expected more than 4 hours)

We work closely with the Incident Commander and Town Officials, especially the Emergency Management and Social Services Director

South Central CT Chapter

(203) 787-6721   24 hrs / 365 days

Donald Izzo, Director of Emergency Services

Proudly serving the communities of:

Bethany, Branford, Cheshire, East Haven, Guilford, Hamden, Madison, Meriden, New Haven,

North Branford, North Haven, Orange, Wallingford, West Haven, and Woodbridge