Disaster Services

Disaster Services stands ready to rush relief to victims of natural and man-made disasters in the Gateway Area. The Red Cross emblem is a welcome beacon to those in urgent need of assistance. In disasters large and small, Red Cross workers first focus on victims’ basic needs: shelter, food, first aid, and counseling.

The Red Cross also helps victims obtain clothing, temporary housing, transportation, and other necessities. Long-term assistance is provided when other resources, such as insurance benefits or government assistance are delayed, insufficient, or unavailable. All disaster assistance is free, with no payment expected or accepted. This is made possible by the generous contributions from our community.

At all hours of the day and night, Disaster Services staff and volunteers help people after fires, floods, tornadoes, and other disasters ravage their homes and threaten to devastate their lives.

If you have experienced a disaster and you have immediate disaster-related needs, call the Gateway Area Chapter at (563) 242-5223.

To educate the community about disaster and Disaster Services, the Gateway Area Chapter will be held its first-ever Disaster Tour on June 5, 2010.  Go to http://gatewayredcross.org/?page_id=1094 for more details.

For good tips on helping children understand disaster, go to http://gatewayredcross.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/Sesame_Street-Help_Child_Understand.pdf.