What Happens in a Disaster?

How long the shelter is open depends on the nature and severity of the disaster; every situation is different. When the crisis is over, the Red Cross will make certain that everything is packed up, the facilities are cleaned up, and everything is back to normal.

In a disaster where victims need shelter, the local Fire Department will contact the American Red Cross and request that one or more designated shelters be activated.

The American Red Cross will reach out to primary contacts on the Shelter Teams at the Houses of Worship best situated to handle the situation and request shelter activation. If the shelter is ready and able to meet the need, then things start happening very quickly:

• The American Red Cross volunteer team is dispatched to the shelter. They will bring equipment and supplies, and will take primary responsibility for managing the shelter and providing all of the resources needed.
• Members of the Shelter Team at the House of Worship alert everyone on their team call list. Available volunteers head for the shelter, open the doors, turn on the lights, and start getting things ready for action. They will help the American Red Cross team operate the shelter.
• The local Fire Department will begin transporting and directing disaster victims to the shelter, and their Emergency Management Office will coordinate additional logistical support from city, county, state, and federal agencies.