Executive summary 8 I. Introduction 26 II. State government capability 28
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AMERICAN RED CROSSCongress chartered the American Red Cross in 1905 to “carry on a system of national and international relief in time of peace and apply the same in mitigating the sufferings caused by pestilence, famine, fire, floods and other great national calamities, and to devise and carry on measures for preventing the same.” When disaster strikes, the Red Cross feeds and shelters people until the danger has passed, then helps them rebuild their lives. The North Carolina Chapters of the Red Cross are on call 24 hours a day to go to the scene of local disasters. In case of a large disaster such as a hurricane, winter storm, or flood affecting hundreds or thousands of people, the Red Cross can mobilize trained disaster workers from around the country on very short notice to help local chapters assist people in need. The Red Cross operates the majority of emergency shelters in North Carolina, in cooperation with NCDEM and local emergency management offices. The American Red Cross also feeds emergency workers, handles inquiries from concerned family members outside the disaster area, provides blood and blood products to disaster victims, and helps those affected by disaster to access other available resources. All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary contributions of time and money. American Red Cross disaster services include assistance in times of emergency, as well as information and programs designed to foster preparation before disaster strikes. The American Red Cross provides information on terrorism; shelters-in-place; power outages; family disaster planning; children and disasters; special needs concerns; animal safety; financial preparations; property protection from hurricane, fire, flood, earthquake, erosion; insurance; household inventories; business and industry guides; and other disaster-related issues. The American Red Cross routinely collaborates with other organizations to more effectively provide its services and disseminate information regarding disaster preparedness. One such collaborative effort is the American Red Cross sponsorship of the National Preparedness and Response Corps (NPRC) which is funded by an AmeriCorps grant from the Corps for National and Community Service. The mission of the NPRC is to provide vital emergency assistance to communities affected by disasters and increase preparedness in the areas of greatest need before disasters strike by recruiting, training, and supporting young adults who provide integrated community outreach and education through American Red Cross service activities focusing on homeland security. Lowes and the American Red Cross collaborate to host Hurricane Preparedness Fairs throughout June and July in 14 coastal markets. The fairs include local emergency response organizations and vendors, as well as appearances by hurricane experts. The Red Cross provides free Hurricane Readiness Guides and Maps with checklists to help homeowners prepare for and recover from severe weather or natural disasters. Information is also provided with tips to help families assemble a disaster supplies kit, prepare a personal evacuation plan, and prepare for high winds. The North Carolina General Assembly passed Chapter 13/House Bill 87 allowing state government employees who are “Certified Red Cross Disaster Volunteers” 15 work days in any 12 month period to participate in specialized disaster relief services. A representative of the Red Cross was invited to participate in the State Hazard Mitigation Advisory Group, but because of conflicts, was unable to attend. AMERICORPS NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE CORPS (NPRC)AmeriCorps Corporation for National and Community Service is a network of national service programs that engages people each year in intensive service to meet critical needs in education, public safety, health and the environment. Since 1994, AmeriCorps provides trained people to help non-profits accomplish more and make more effective use of volunteers. President Bush has asked AmeriCorps to expand its work in public safety, public health, and disaster relief to assist in homeland security. The National Preparedness and Response Corps (NPRC) is sponsored by the American Red Cross and funded by an AmeriCorps grant from the Corps for National and Community Service. The mission of the NPRC is to provide vital emergency assistance to communities affected by disaster and increase preparedness in the areas of greatest need before disaster strikes by recruiting, training, and supporting young adults who will provide integrated community outreach and education through service activities. HABITAT FOR HUMANITYHabitat for Humanity is a non-profit, nondenominational Christian housing organization. Habitat makes extensive use of volunteer labor to build simple, decent, affordable houses in partnership with those in need of adequate shelter. Habitat houses are sold with no profit made, and no interest charged on the mortgage, using sweat equity. Homeowners and volunteers build the houses under trained supervision. Individuals, corporations, faith groups and others provide financial support for housing construction activities. Habitat families are chosen according to their need, their ability to repay the mortgage, and their willingness to work in partnership with Habitat for Humanity. There are over 85 Habitat for Humanity affiliates in North Carolina, located all over the State from the mountains to the coast. Habitat for Humanity groups were especially active following Hurricane Floyd, when hundreds of families in eastern North Carolina were made homeless due to devastating floods. Several Habitat for Humanity affiliates joined forces with other charitable organizations to rebuild communities more quickly and affordably than would have otherwise been possible. Not only did Habitat volunteers construct many new homes for displaced flood victims in eastern North Carolina, but creative uses of resources were also employed in some flood-ravaged communities. In a few communities, the salvage rights to structures that were acquired through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) were transferred to Habitat for Humanity affiliates before the buildings were demolished. Although some building materials were not salvageable, Habitat volunteers were able to retrieve interior materials in some of the structures, including cabinets, interior doors, plumbing and light fixtures, appliances, and HVAC systems. Low income families were able to purchase some of the “gently used” items to furnish their replacement homes. New Habitat homes were rebuilt with proceeds made from other reusable materials that were resold. Some communities have also been able to salvage and relocate landscaping materials, including plants, shrubs, and bulbs from the yards of demolished homes. Plant materials have been donated to Habitat for Humanity homes, as well as to area churches, schools, and nursing homes. Directory: div div -> 9th May 1950 the schuman declaration div -> Supplemental demographic information div -> Introduction A. Purpose & Authority div -> This section includes changes made during the 2013 update div -> General occupational safety and health rules subdivision z toxic and hazardous substances div -> Computer Basics What is a computer div -> Mobile county, alabama regular board meeting div -> Privacy: Campus Living & Technology Download 1 Mb. Share with your friends:
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