The mission of American Red Cross Disaster Services is to ensure nationwide disaster planning, preparedness, community disaster education, mitigation and response that will provide the American people with quality services delivered in a uniform, consistent, and responsive manner.

The American Red Cross responds to disasters such as hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, fires, or other situations that cause human suffering or create human needs that those affected cannot alleviate without assistance.

All Red Cross disaster assistance is given free of charge, made possible by the generous contribution of American people's time, money, and skills.

The most visible and well-known of Red Cross disaster relief activities are sheltering and feeding.

The Red Cross opens disaster shelters for those evacuated or displaced by a disaster and provides meals and snacks to families and to emergency workers in affected areas.