Emergency Services

If you need emergency assistance after hours call (828) 437-1911.

The American Red Cross has adopted the following definition of a disaster:

“A disaster is an occurance such as a hurricane, tornado, flood, high water, wind-driven water, tidal wave, earthquake, drought, blizzard, pestilance, famine, fire, explosion, volcanic eruption, building collapse, transportation accident, or other situations that cause human suffering or creates human needs, that the victims cannot alleviate without assistance”

The above definition is also meant to include situations or acts of human suffering or needs that are brought about by terrorist activities or the use of weapons of mass destruction. The cornerstone of Red Cross’s disaster response rests within the local chapter. It is from there that the first line of disaster professionals and volunteers, in conjunction with other local disaster responders, are fielded to provide assistance to those in need and to measure the scope of the disaster such that disaster response in can be expanded to a state and national level should it be required.

Efficient services to disaster victims can only be brought about by a conscientious Red Cross staff and trained volunteers. Join our team here in Burke County. Avail yourself of the many fine courses that are taught by Red Cross Instructors and help us serve our community.

Disaster Training

Each year, the American Red Cross responds immediately to more than 70,000 disasters, including house or apartment fires, hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, tornadoes, hazardous materials spills, transportation accidents, explosions, and other natural and man-made disasters.

Red Cross disaster relief focuses on meeting people’s immediate emergency disaster-caused needs. When a disaster threatens or strikes, the Red Cross provides shelter, food, and health and mental health services to address basic human needs. In addition to these services, the core of Red Cross disaster relief is the assistance given to individuals and families affected by disaster to enable them to resume their normal daily activities independently.

Disaster Action Teams (DAT) are the first line of support for these families and are a vital part of the disaster preparedness and response of our chapter. Email for more information.

Be Red Cross Ready

Be Red Cross Ready represents the cooperative efforts of the American Red Cross and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Ready Campaign to encourage people to be prepared for a disaster or other emergency. It is important that you be prepared at all times. Natural or human-caused disasters can strike without warning, at any time and anywhere. Click on the icons above to learn the 3 actions your family can take to Be Red Cross Ready.

To schedule a presentation at your business, organization or church email us today.

Get a Kit

Have at least 3 days of supplies in any easy-to-carry evacuation kit per individual, with additional supplies on hand. Check your kit and replace the stock every 6 months.

An easy way to get your kit started is to visit the online store to order an emergency preparedness kit.

If you purchase a kit or choose to build your own, make sure it includes--

Water At least one gallon per person per day

Food Non-perishable, high-protein items, such as energy bars, ready-to-eat soup, peanut butter, etc. Stock food that requires no refrigeration, preparation or cooking and little or no water.

Flashlight Hand-crank and alternative-energy options are available. Include extra batteries, if applicable.

First Aid Kit Include a first aid reference guide Medications Both prescription and non-prescription medication items.

Radio Include extra batteries or use a hand-crank radio.

Tools Wrench to turn off gas, if necessary, a manual can opener, screwdriver, hammer, pliers, knife, duct tape, plastic sheeting and garbage bags.

Clothing A change of clothes for everyone, including sturdy shoes and gloves.

Personal Items Copies of important papers, including identification cards, insurance policies, birth certificates, passports, etc.; eyeglasses, contact lenses and solution; and comfort items such as toys and books, if pertinent.

Sanitary Supplies Toilet paper, towelettes, feminine supplies, personal hygiene items, bleach, etc.

Money Have cash (ATMs and credit cards won’t work if the power is out)

Contact Information A current list of family phone numbers and e-mail addresses, including someone out of the area who may be easier to reach if local phone lines are out of service or overloaded.

Pet Supplies For each pet, include food, water, a collar, a leash, cage or carrier, litterbox or plastic bags, tags, any medications and vaccination information.

Map Mark an evacuation route from your local area

Store your disaster supplies in sturdy, yet easy-to-carry, containers and in a place that is easily accessible. Keep a smaller version of the kit in your vehicle. If you become stranded, or are unable to return home, having some items with you will help you be more comfortable until help arrives.

Make a Plan

Talk Discuss with your family the disasters that can happen where you live. Establish responsibilities for each member of your household and plan to work together as a team. Designate alternates in case someone is absent. If a family member is in the military, also plan for how you will respond if they are deployed. Include the local military base resources that may be available.

Plan Choose 2 places to meet after a disaster: (1) Right outside your home, in case of a sudden emergency, such as a fire. (2) Outside your neighborhood, in case you cannot return home or are asked to evacuate.

Learn Each adult in your household should learn how and when to turn off utilities such as electricity, water and gas. Ask your local fire department to show you how to use a fire extinguisher. Notify everyone in the household where emergency information and supplies are kept. Make copies of the information for each person to carry. Keep the information updated. Practice evacuating your home twice a year. Drive your planned evacuation route and plot alternate routes on a map in case main roads are impassable or gridlocked.

Include your pets If you must evacuate, take your animals with you. If it is not safe for you to remain, it is not safe for them.

Support your Community Support your community plans by volunteering in the community and by giving blood. More than one million people in the United States serve their communities. They come from all walks of life and backgrounds and are of all ages. Red Cross volunteers help people in emergencies. They teach first aid classes and organize blood drives. They connect members of the armed forces stationed overseas with their famlies during major family events. These vital community services are made possible by people like you. Contact your local Red Cross chapter and ask how you can help.

Give Blood Blood is needed in times of emergency, but the ongoing need is also great. Every 2 seconds someone in the United States needs a blood transfusion--cancer patients, accident victims, premature infants and the list goes on. It’s important to have an adequate blood supply available at all times. Support your community blood supply by calling 704-720-7425 or view the blood drive schedule and make an appointment to donate today.

Be Informed

Learn what disasters or emergencies can occur where you live, work and play. These events can vary from those that affect only you and your family, such as a home fire or medical emergency, to those that affect your entire community, such as a hurricane or flood.

Identify how local authorities will notify you during a disaster and how you will get important information, whether through local radio, TV or National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radio stations or channels.

Learn what you can do to prepare for disasters. Learn about First Aid, CPR and disaster training. Learn basic first aid techniques so you will have the skills and confidence to help when someone in your home, neighborhood or workplace is injured.

If a major disaster occurs, your community will change in an instant. Loved ones might be injured and emergency response might be delayed. Make sure that at least one member of your household is trained in first aid and CPR and knows how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED). Disaster preparedness presentations provide more specific information on how to prepare for disaster in your community.

Share what you have learned with your family, household and neighbors and encourage them to be informed, too.