Disaster Relief / Emergency Services

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DISASTER ASSISTANCE - The American Red Cross of Midland and Gladwin Counties offers disaster assistance in the form of food, clothing, shelter and other unmet emergency needs to victims of single family fires and other natural disasters if there are no other resources available. We also provide training programs in disaster preparedness and relief for volunteers interested in joining our Disaster Action Teams. Emergency disaster assistance is free of charge and available 24 hours/day.  Click here to see the Red Cross in action on a national level!

WANT TO HELP?
The best way to help disaster victims is through a financial donation to the American Red Cross. A financial contribution allows disaster victims to quickly obtain basic necessities for themselves and their families, while stimulating the disaster-affected local economy.

Contributions to the American Red Cross, a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, are deductible for computing income and estate taxes.

We regret the American Red Cross is unable to accept used clothing, canned goods, or other such gifts from individuals. Firms wishing to donate new, bulk goods should call 1-800-7-IN-KIND.

 

Information for People Affected by a Disaster

The American Red Cross deals with each family’s situation and determines needs on a case-by-case basis. Each person is responsible for his or her own recovery. Individuals or families requesting assistance will be required to provide identification proving that they reside in the disaster affected area at the time of the disaster.

• We are here to provide you with meal/groceries, a safe place to stay and clothing.
• We are here to guide you and help you obtain and use community and government recourses to assist you in recovering from a disaster
• We are here to address if your disaster-cause physical or mental health needs
• We are here to help you plan your steps towards returning you life to normal
• The Red Cross may also provide long term planning assistance and the means to carry out the plan when resources in the area are limited or not available
• We are here to provide you information about future disaster preparedness and many other helpful topics
• No repayments or reimbursements for any assistance provided is sought or accepted from disaster victims

FOR MORE COMPLETE INFORMATION, PLEASE VISIT THE RED CROSS OFFICE FOR BROCHURES. 

Are you ready for Thunderstorms and Lightning?

---Before Lightning Strikes...

• Keep an eye on the sky. Look for darkening skies, flashes of light, or increasing wind.  Listen for the sound of thunder.
• If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to the storm to be struck by lighting.  Go to safe shelter immediately.
• Listen to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television for the latest weather forecasts.

---When a storm approaches...

• Find shelter in a building or car.  Keep car windows closed and avoid convertibles.
• Telephone lines and metal pipes can conduct electricity.  Unplug appliances.  Avoid using the telephone or any electrical appliances.  (Leaving electric lights on, however, does not increase the chances of your home being struck by lightning.)
• Avoid taking a bath or shower, or running water for any other purpose.
• Turn off the air conditioner.  Power surges from lightning can overload the compressor, resulting in a costly repair job!
• Draw blinds and shades over windows.  If windows break due to objects blown by the wind, the shades will prevent glass from shattering into your home.

---If caught outside...

• If you are in the woods, take shelter under the shorter trees.
• If you are boating or swimming get to land and find shelter immediately!

---Protecting yourself outside...

• Go to a low-lying, open place away from trees, poles, or metal objects.  Make sure the place you pick is not subject to flooding.
• Be a very small target!  Squat low to the ground.  Place your hands on your knees with your head between them.  Make yourself the smallest target possible.
• Do not lie flat on the ground-this will make you a lager target!

---After the storm passes...

• Stay away from storm-damaged areas.
• Listen to the radio for information and instructions.

---If someone is struck by lightning...

• People struck by lightning carry no electrical charge and can be handled safely.
• Call for help.  Get someone to dial 9-1-1 or your local Emergency Medical Services (EMS) number.
• The injured person has received an electrical shock and may be burned, both where they were struck and where the electricity left their body.  Check for burns in both places.  Being struck by lighting can also cause nervous system damage, broken bones, and loss of hearing or eyesight.
• Give first aid.  If breathing has stopped, begin rescue breathing.  If the heart has stopped beating a trained person should give CPR.  If the person has a pulse and is breathing, look and care for other possible injuries.  Learn first aid and CPR by taking a Red Cross first aid and CPR course.  Call your local Red Cross chapter for class schedules and fees.

Are you ready for Extreme Heat?

---How will you be warned?

• Heat Advisory: The heat, or combination of heat and humidity, is expected to become an inconvenience for much of the population, and a problem for some.
• Excessive Heat Warning: The heat, or combination of heat and humidity, is expected to be dangerous for a large portion of the population.

--Heat Advisory or excessive heat warning!  What to do...

• Inside:
  • Stay near your television to get updates from the Weather Channel or your local TV or radio station.
  • Stay indoors and avoid extreme temperature changes.
  • If air conditioning is not available, stay on the lowest floor, out of the sunshine.
  • Keep your electric fans running.
  • Drink fluids often-particularly water or juice-even if you do not feel thirsty, to help your body's thermostat stay cool.  Avoid foods that are high in protein, which increase metabolic heat.
  • Keep pets indoors and refill their water bowls frequently.
  • Obey advisories promptly.
• Outside:
  • if you must go out, wear lightweight, light-colored clothing to reflect the sun's energy.
  • Slow down.  Avoid strenuous outdoor activity.  If you must engage in strenuous activity, do it during the coolest part of the day, between 4 a.m. and 7 a.m.
  • Cover all exposed skin with a high-SPF sunscreen, and wear a wide brimmed hat to protect your face and head.
  • Drink plenty of fluids.
• After Exposure:
  • Continue drinking plenty of water and juice.
  • Never take a cool shower immediately after becoming overheated.  You may cool too quickly and become ill, nauseous, or dizzy.

---In the event of an extreme heat heath emergency...

• Heat Cramps:  Muscle pains and spasms caused by heavy exertion, which trigger loss of water through heavy perspiration.  To relieve, press on cramping muscles or use gentle massage.  Take sips of water unless nausea occurs.
• Heat Exhaustion:  A mild form of shock marked by heavy sweating, weakness, cold and clammy skin, a weak pulse, fainting and vomiting.  Rest in a cool place.  Loosen clothing and apply cool, wet cloths.  Continue taking sips of water unless nausea occurs.  If vomiting occurs, seek medial attention.  Note: brief exposure to extreme heat can precipitate this condition in very young children and the elderly.
• Heat Stroke (Sunstroke): The ability to sweat stops, and body temperature can rise so high that brain damage and death may occur in less than ten minutes unless medical help is immediate.  Call 911 immediately for emergency medical services.  Remove clothing and use a cool sponge bath to fan to attempt to lower body temperature.  DO NOT GIVE FLUIDS!

Are you ready for a Flood?

---Floods and flash floods have caused billions of dollars in damage in recent years.  They are among the most common and widespread of all natural hazards.  Even more significantly, they're the number one weather-related killer.  Since 1900, floods have taken more than 10,000 lives in the United States alone.  A flood can happen anywhere: along the Mississippi, in New England, or even in the desert.

---Preparation...

• Contact your local American Red Cross chapter or go online with the Weather Channel at www.weather.com/safeside . 
• Check your insurance, damage by floods and high wind peril are often not covered in regular homeowners insurance.  Contact your insurance agent to find out more.
• Stockpile emergency building materials in case of damage that you can repair.
• Make home improvements to reduce your losses.  Install check valves in your plumbing to prevent flood water back-up, and move appliances to higher floors to prevent costly repairs or replacements.
• Learn how your town handles emergencies by contacting the local Emergency Management Agency (EMA) or the American Red Cross.
• Make sure to sit down with your family and develop a family weather emergency plan.

---Anticipating a flood...

• Watch for unusually hard rain over several hours or steady substantial rain over several days.
• Watch for rains in conjunction with a spring thaw.
• Watch for a hurricane or other tropical system affecting your area.            

---The Four key alerts relate specifically to flood conditions:

• Flood Watch: High flow or overflow of water from a river is possible in the given time period.
• Flood Warning: Flooding conditions are actually occurring or are imminent in the warning area.
• Flash Flood Watch: Flash flooding is possible in or close to the watch area.  Flash Flood Watches can be put into effect for as long as 12 hours, while heavy rains move into and across the area.
• Flash Flood Warning: Flask flooding is actually occurring in imminent in the warning area.  A warning can also be issued as a result of torrential rains, a dam failure, or snow thaw.

---Flood Warning!  What to do...

• If no evacuation has been ordered...

• Stay near your television to get updates from the Weather Channel or your local TV or radio station.
• Make sure a battery-powered radio is nearby.
• Collect your Family Disaster Supplies Kit, blankets and sleeping bags, and keep them with you.
• Call your family's emergency contact person to report your plans.
• Keep children and pets indoors.
• make sure you have cash and your car has a full tank of gas in case you must evacuate.
• Obey advisories promptly.

• immediately before the flood...

• Bring in any outdoor items that might cause damage or be lost if flooded.  Do not walk into flood waters to retrieve them.
• If you are not at home, go to high ground and wait.
• For sanitary use, in case water supply becomes contaminated, thoroughly clean bathtubs with bleach and fill with water.
• Place all valuables and records in a waterproof container, and store on the highest floor of your home or the safest area.

• If evacuation is advised...

• Turn off utilities.
• Pack your family disaster supplies kit, extra blankets and sleeping bags.
• Lock windows and doors before leaving home.
• Tune your car radio to a news station for updates on evacuation routs.

• During the flood...

• If on foot, do not attempt to walk through flood waters.  Instead, turn around and go directly to higher ground.
• Make sure to keep children and pets away from flood waters, storm drains, and sewers. 
• If you are in a car, never try to take a shortcut through flooded areas.  if your car stalls, immediately abandon it and climb to higher ground.

• Surviving a flash flood...
  • If you suspect a flash flood is about to happen immediately climb to higher ground.
  • Remember, it doesn't have to be raining for a flash flood to occur.  Some of the most dangerous floods originate many miles away.

Are you ready for a Tornado?

---The U. S. has the highest incidence of tornadoes worldwide, with about 1,000 occurring every year.  Tornadoes can come one at a time or in clusters, and they can vary greatly in length, width, direction of travel, and speed.  They can leave a path 50 yards or a mile wide.  They may touch down for a matter of seconds, or remain in contact with the ground for over an hour.

---Anticipating a Tornado...

• Be aware that:
  • Tornadoes are more prevalent from April through July, with May and June being the peak months in the U.S.  However, tornadoes can form any time of the year.
  • Tornadoes can and do occur in every state in the country.
  • Tornadoes are generally spawned by thunderstorms, but can occur without the presence of lightning.
  • A tornado may be in close proximity to sunshine, or it may be totally enshrouded in heavy rain.
  • Sometimes the air before a tornado hits is eerily calm; in other cases they are preceded by strong, gusty winds.
  • Large hail and tornadoes can be produced by the same thunderstorm.  However, many hailstorms are not accompanied by tornadoes, and vice versa.
  • While many tornadoes move from a southwest direction, they can also travel from other directions suck as west or northwest.
  • Tornadoes can take a variety of sizes and shapes from; a traditional Wizard-of-Oz like funnel; to snake-like "multiple vortices"; to a drawn-out shape; to a wide, churning, "smoky" appearance.
  • The sound of a tornado has been likened to that of a freight train or a jet engine, but there is no guarantee that you will hear suck a noise before it's too late.
• Two key alerts relate specifically to tornado conditions:
  • Tornado Watch: Conditions are conducive to the development of tornadoes in and close to the watch area.
  • Tornado Warning: A tornado has actually been sighted by spotters or indicated on radar and is occurring or imminent in the warning area.

---Tornado Warning! What to do...

• In a frame home:
  • Seek shelter in the lowest level of your home.  if there is no basement, go to an inner hallway, a smaller inner room, or a closet.  Keep away from all windows.
  • If possible, get storm updates from the Weather Channel, your local TV or radio station, or NOAA Weather Radio.
  • Make sure a battery-powered radio is nearby in case of power outage.
  • Keep your pet on a leash or in a carrier.
  • Cushion yourself with a mattress, but do not use one to cover yourself.  Do cover your head and eyes with a blanket to protect yourself against flying debris and broken glass.
  • Be aware that multiple tornadoes can emerge from the same storm.
  • Do not go out until officials say it is safe.
  • Obey advisories promptly.
• In a mobile home:
  • Leave immediately and take shelter elsewhere.
• Outside:
  • Try to get inside and seek out a small, protected space with no windows.
  • Avoid large-span roof areas such as school gymnasiums, arenas, or shopping malls.
  • If you cannot get inside, crouch for protection beside a strong structure, or lie flat in a ditch or low-lying area.  Cover your head and neck with your arms or a piece of clothing.
• In a car:
  • Stop the car immediately, get out and take shelter.
  • If you are already in a sturdy building, do not get into a vehicle to outrun a tornado.

Are you ready for a Winter Storm?

Here are some suggestions from the American Red Cross.

---Prepare a winters storm plan

• Have extra blankets on hand
• Ensure that each member of your household has a warm coat, gloves or mittens, hat, and water-resistant boots.
• Assemble a disaster supplies kit containing
  • First aid kit and essential medications.
  • Battery-powered NOAA Weather Radio and portable radio, flashlight, and extra batteries.
  • Canned food and nonelectric can opener. 
  • Bottled water
• Have your car winterized before winter storm season.
• Assemble a disaster supplies kit for your car 

---Stay tuned for storm warnings

• Listen to NOAA Weather Radio and your local radio and TV stations for updated storm information.
• Know what winter storm WATCHES and WARNINGS mean:
  • A winter storm WATCH means a winter storm is possible in your area.
  • A winter storm WARNING means a winter storm is headed for your area.
  • A blizzard WARNING means strong winds, blinding wind-driven snow, and dangerous wind shill are expected. Seek shelter immediately.

---When a winter storm WATCH is issued...

• Listen to NOAA Weather Radio, local radio and TV stations, or cable TV such as The Weather Channel for further updates.
• Be alert to changing weather conditions.
• Avoid unnecessary travel.

---When a winter storm WARNING is issued...

• Stay indoor during the storm.
• If you must go outside, several layers of lightweight clothing will keep you warmer than a single heavy coat. Gloves (or mittens) and a hat will prevent loss of body heat. Cover your mouth to protect your lungs.
• Understand the hazards of wind chill, which combines the cooling effect of wind and cold temperatures on exposed skin. As the wind increases, heat is carried away from a person's body at an accelerated rate, driving down the body temperature.
• Walk carefully on snowy, icy sidewalks.
• After the storm, if you shovel snow, be extremely careful. it is physical strenuous work, so take frequent breaks. Avoid overexertion.

---Avoid traveling by car in a storm, but if you must...

• Have emergency supplies in the trunk.
• Keep your car's gas tank full for emergency use and to keep the fuel line from freezing.
• Let someone know your destination, your route, and when you expect to arrive. If your car gets stuck along the way, help can be sent along your predetermined route.

---If you do get stuck...

• Stay with your car. Do not try to walk to safety.
• Tie a brightly colored cloth (preferably red) to the antenna for rescuers to see.
• Start the car and use the heater for about en minutes every hour. keep the exhaust pipe clear so fumes won't back up into the car.
• Leave the overhead light on when the engine is running so that you can be seen.
• As you sit, keep moving your arms and legs to keep blood circulating and to stay war,.
• Keep one window away from the blowing wind slightly open to let in air.