Disaster Preparedness and Response
Every year – and with increasing frequency – disasters strike in hundreds of locations around the globe. According to the 2009 World Disasters Report, there were over 570 natural and technological disasters around the world last year.
As part of the world’s largest emergency response organization, the Canadian Red Cross works to respond quickly in times of need.
The Canadian Red Cross is part of a world-wide network of partners, which includes the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the International Committee of the Red Cross and 187 Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies to ensure consistency and effectiveness in international disaster response operations.
Our emergency response activities are cost-effective, community-based, and large-scale. They focus on health and shelter, distribution of relif supplies, water and sanitation services, re-establishment of family links and the development of longer term recovery programs.
We also implement disaster preparedness programs to create more resilient communities with decreased dependence on external assistance
The Canadian Red Cross believes that effective disaster response incorporates recovery and emergency preparedness initiatives from the very beginning. Dedicating resources to all aspects of disaster management means we are better able to help save lives, ease suffering and minimize damage to economies and the environment.
Whether it is deploying relief items or helping communities prepare for and respond to large scale emergencies through training and pre-positioning of stocks, the Red Cross plays a vital role in disaster risk reduction, relief and recovery operations.
Through programs like volunteer and first-aid training, disaster management education and the establishment of early warning systems, our delegates are working in Myanmar, Comoros and Haiti, among others, to help increase the resilience of communities situated in high risk areas.
Maintaining stocked warehouses of emergency supplies and a roster of highly trained personnel is essential to Red Cross disaster relief operations.
In 1999, the Canadian Red Cross established the International Disaster Relief Fund (IDRF) to accelerate our response to large scale disasters. When a crisis occurs, funds can be accessed within 24 hours and help can be sent quickly to those who need it the most.
Canadians wishing to support Red Cross emergency relief efforts around the world are encouraged to make a financial donation. Donations to the Canadian Red Cross the IDRF will help provide the survivors of these and future disasters with urgently needed food, shelter, first aid, basic health care and medical supplies.
You Make the Difference – Support Canadian Red Cross International Emergencies, Relief & Response
Thanks to the generous support of donors like you we assist millions of people in need around the world each year through our international emergencies relief and response efforts. Please donate to the International Disaster Relief Fund today.
Updated February 23, 2010
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