Disasters are not limited to catastrophic events like hurricanes and tornadoes. While Greenville is at risk for these large-scale events as well as hazardous materials spills and flooding, residents suffer daily from the devastating effects of single family fires. On average, we respond to 100-130 structure fires annually. In the past ten years, we have seen a 34% increase in the number of disaster incidents and a 41% increase in the number of disaster victims served. The total direct financial assistance provided to clients in 2009 is 74% higher than the direct financial assistance provided to those served in 1999. Many people are lulled into thinking that a large disaster just isn’t likely to strike our hometown. However, Greenville is vulnerable to a wide range of devastating disasters.
According to the SC Hazards Assessment:
We rank first in South Carolina for vulnerability to floods, flash floods, and ice storms.
We have the largest concentration of hazardous materials storage facilities in the state.
We rank second for vulnerability to hazardous materials incidents, particularly due to the transport of hazardous substance on area highways. Donaldson Center Industrial Complex is a primary concern as it is home to many chemical manufacturing and distribution companies and has a public airport.
The demand for disaster relief is expected to steadily increase. This trend is affected by aging structures and increasing population. Economic hardships increase both the need for assistance and the relief provided.
Over the past decade, there has been a 35% increase in incidents and a 185% increase in the dollars committed for disaster relief
Overall Goal:
The overall goal of our disaster program is three-fold: to meet the immediate emergency needs of disaster victims so that they can begin long term recovery; to ensure organizational readiness and to build capacity for response to disasters of varying size and scope through volunteer training, mentoring, and leadership development, drill exercises, and supply acquisition/maintenance; and to minimize loss of life and property through the coordination and training of community organizations active in disaster as well as educational programs designed to teach disaster causation, prevention, and preparedness to children and adults.
Our relief services are available at no charge to individuals throughout the Upstate who have verified disaster-caused needs. We do not know where disaster will strike and our target population is constantly changing. However, a profile of our clients shows that the majority of people we serve have an annual income below $20,000 and are uninsured fire victims. Many of these fires involve single families; however, we are seeing an increasing number of clients who share housing with extended family due to the difficult economic climate. We target both school age children and adult audiences with our preparedness information.
Down the Street. Across the Country. Around the World. Your Red Cross.
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