Disaster Services
No matter the disaster - tornado, fire, or flood - WE'LL BE THERE!
If you’ve experienced a natural disaster or home fire, call us at (866) 971-5300 for immediate assistance. We’re ready 24/7 to help
 Each year, we provide assistance to roughly 120 families throughout the 29 cities, villages and townships that make up Washtenaw County.
Our Disaster Action Teams respond to house or apartment fires, tornadoes, and floods. We’re ready in the event of earthquakes, hazardous materials spills, nuclear power plant emergencies, transportation accidents, explosions, and more. When the need arises, our Disaster Services volunteers are sent to help with disasters in other parts of the U.S. (not to other countries).
We prepare the community about disaster before the need arises. When a disaster threatens or strikes, we provide shelter, food, and health and mental health services to meet immediate disaster-caused needs. We also give assistance to those affected by a disaster to enable them to resume their normal daily activities. We feed emergency workers, handle inquiries from concerned family members living outside the disaster area, and help those affected by disasters to access other available resources. All Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from people like you!
Safe and Well 
One of the most vital services we provide to families during a disaster is the peace of mind that comes from knowing that friends and family are "safe and well."
- People in a disaster-affected area can register their well-being for friends and family elsewhere to access online. To be directed to our safe and well website click the banner to the right.
- Information is private. No contact details or specific locations are revealed.
If you are looking for a US Citizen, who is abroad, contact the US Department of State at 1-888-407-4747
Disaster Education and Preparedness
You’ll handle an emergency best if you prepare in advance, that’s why we educate people about disaster preparedness.
- Great Escapes: Fires are the most common disaster we respond to in Washtenaw County. This program is designed to teach children, (in preschool to fifth grade) to prevent, prepare for and respond to house fires. We often work with local fire departments which bring a fire truck and crew!
- Masters of Disasters: Developed by Red Cross National Headquarters, this program teaches children, (in grades K-8) to prepare for and respond to disasters, including tornadoes, floods, thunderstorms and other emergencies.
- Easy English for Emergencies (E3): These presentations educate people, whose knowledge of English is minimal, the basics of how to be prepared for disasters, including fires, thunderstorms and tornados.
- Greek Life Fire Simulations: Designed to educate University of Michigan fraternity and sorority members about fire safety, Red Cross volunteers run fire simulations and use them to share fire preparedness information.
- Be Red Cross Ready: Visit our Be Prepared website to learn more about how to be ready for different emergencies.
To learn more about becoming a Disaster Services volunteer visit our volunteer opportunities.
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