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Emergency Services

American Red Cross Emergency Services provides relief to people who have experienced natural and or man-made disasters. This unit is prepared at all times to provide food, clothing, shelter and medical care to disaster victims. All assistance is free and universal; disaster victims are not expected to pay the Red Cross for any services provided to them. Assistance to disaster victims includes:

• Vouchers for food, clothing, and household goods
• Temporary housing
• Health services and referals
• Referrals to housing and other social service agencies

Most local disaster assistance is provided to victims of single family house fires. Our volunteer Disaster Action Team (DAT) is on-call 24/7 to provide disaster relief at a moment's notice. Other types of local disaster situations include:

• Snowstorms, ice storms and power failures
• Minor creek flooding and flooding of low lying areas around Lake Erie
• Major explosions and chemical leaks
• Train derailments

In addition to our traditional disaster services, the Red Cross offers several special programs. These include:

• Energy Assistance Programs - Provides financial aid to those who are unable to cope with energy bills, including elderly over the age of 60, handicapped or disabled, and those experiencing medical emergencies. Funds for NYSEG’s “Project Share” and Niagara Mohawk’s “Care & Share” come through each utility’s customers, vendors and boards.
• Information and Referral Programs - Provides general information regarding other local social services agencies. Information is provided by phone 24/7 or in person during normal business hours to those in need.