Red Cross Increases Disaster Preparedness

According to the American Red Cross news release, new levels of preparedness have gone into effect to help those who have been victims or who will be victims of disasters.

After the devastating effects of Katrina in 2005 in the Louisiana area, the American Red Cross has looked back at all the mishaps that went along with helping victims cope with the loss and devastation the huge storm possessed, and have come to the conclusion that changes had to be made. After consideration of the response capabilities that the American Red Cross dispatched after the devastating storm, they have determined that changes needed to be made immediately in case of another devastating hit from a natural disaster come into play.

Some of the new improvements that the American Red Cross has made in case of another natural disaster is tripling warehouse space just in case items that needs to be stored for disaster relief can be stored closer to the victims. Acquiring and arranging permanent structures for items to be stored as well as disaster relief headquarters. Increasing the amount of food, cots, blankets and other relief items that will accommodate up to 500,000 victims. Bringing in more mobile kitchens and feeding areas to service all victims instead of just a handful. Acquiring satellite communication services that are permanent in over 25 American Red Cross chapters throughout the United States to allow communication in the event a local infrastructure has been damaged.

Although most of these efforts towards improvement has been focused on hurricane prone areas, other improvements that have disasters such as earthquakes, floods, and other natural disasters are being looked at and improvements are being made to them as well.

Joe Becker who is the Senior Vice President of Preparedness and Response stated regarding the improvements to the American Red Cross assistance that "Strategically placing supplies around the nation pays dividends for disasters of all kinds," he also went to add that "the lessons we have learned from past disasters helps the Red Cross expand its reach in future events."