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American Red Cross ShelteringAmy Green

National Summit on Emergency Managementand Assistive Technology

ReutilizationFebruary 23-24, 2010

RESPONSE

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American Red Cross Sheltering

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The American Red Cross, through its Congressional charter and other federal statutes, has both a legal and moral mandate to provide disaster relief services in every community across the nation.

In the most visible of its core services, the Red Cross responds to the immediate needs of disaster-impacted communities by opening, operating, and supporting shelters that provide a safe, secure, temporary environment for as many people as possible.

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Red Cross is the nation’s primary sheltering organization.

Chapters are the cornerstone of Red Cross disaster services, responsible for initiating and managing responses to disasters in their jurisdictions.

Local Red Cross Chapters work closely with local government and community partners in all phases of disasters.

Red Cross Shelters

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Red Cross Shelters provide those affected by disaster a safe place to stay. Sheltering provides for the basic needs of disaster victims including a place to rest and sleep, hygiene items, and meals.

In addition, shelter clients have opportunities to enjoy recreational activities, receive updated disaster information, and take part in Red Cross and community services to begin their recovery.

Red Cross Shelters

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Registration Dormitory ManagementFeedingBulk DistributionClient Casework and Recovery PlanningDisaster Health & Mental Health ServicesWelfare Information and family reunification

support RecreationInformation Dissemination

Core Shelter Activities

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Role of the Shelter Manager Ensure the shelter is a safe place for residents and staff. Ensure that the basic needs of shelter residents are being

met, while engaging residents to identify any unmet needs.

Work internally with Disaster Health Services and Disaster Mental Health to ensure we can safely accommodate everyone who seeks shelter, and provide appropriate referrals when we cannot.

Partner effectively in order to address the disaster caused needs of residents through Red Cross or other resources.

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Disaster Health Services Role

Provide Disaster Health Services support in shelters and other service delivery sites.

Identify disaster-related health needs of clients. Provide replacement of medications, equipment and/or

medical services. Utilize community services and partners to meet the

disaster-related healthcare needs. Collaboration with public health agencies and the

medical/nursing communities. Provide CDC/Public Health surveillance of injuries and

illnesses within a shelter and other service delivery sites.

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Disaster Mental Health Services Role

Provide Disaster Mental Health support to clients and workers in shelters and other service delivery sites.

Train all workers to provide psychological first aid. Provide triage, assessment, education, crisis intervention,

mental health messaging and referral services. Utilize community services and partners to meet the

disaster-related mental health needs. Collaboration with public health agencies. Perform behavioral health surveillance to identify sites

with highest risk clients.

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Initial Intake and Assessment Tool American Red Cross – U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

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DME Oxygen and other medical supplies Prescription medication replacement Limited English proficiency Visual and hearing impaired

Typical AT Needs

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Red Cross Role

Planning Play an active role at the planning table Learn the various AT needs of local populations Pre-identify the likely AT needs during a disaster Develop local partnerships to address these specific needs Seek out various ways to work within local community

Response Support role with Mass Care and Client Services Leverage our partners to address the disaster related needs of

the affected population

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Educate our chapters in this subject area. Ensure we communicate effectively to our

clients and partners. Safely accommodate everyone in our

congregate shelters and identify those needing referral to a special medical needs shelter.

Red Cross Goals