The American Red Cross provides immediate disaster response and relief, as well as helping people prepare for, respond to and recover from disaster.

They maintain a Disaster Relief Fund which provides direct financial assistance (first month rent, food, etc) to families who have experienced a fire, flood, tornado, etc. and also give referrals to other agencies that provide assistance.

In addition to disaster relief, the American Red Cross also offers health and safety classes such as Community first aid, CPR (infant and child CPR also), water safety, etc.

They also provide Armed Services Emergency Services and Youth Services.

The Red Cross also is a contact point for Family Services of Deployed Servicemen.