There is evidence that disasters may be increasing, as are their costs. The American Red Cross recently reported that it responded to more US disasters in the year 2000 than at any time in American history—55 shelters were opened in 27 states in response to disasters in December 2000 alone.
Still, the low probability of a major catastrophe leads to a certain degree of complacency and underestimation of the impact of such an event. The results of this attitude are frequently felt after the cataclysmic episode subsides. Indeed, several authors note that the best time to propose major changes for disaster preparedness, including its funding, is immediately following a major disaster, even if it has occurred in a remote jurisdiction.
When a disaster strikes, the general population expects public service agencies and other branches of the local, state, or federal government to rapidly mobilize to help the community. Preservation of life and health are of paramount importance to those individuals affected by these disasters. For this reason, medical professionals must be included in all phases of disaster planning as well as in the immediate response to these events. (Mothershead, 2005)
Disaster Services
Each year, the American Red Cross responds immediately to more than 67,000 disasters, including house or apartment fires (the majority of disaster responses), hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, tornadoes, hazardous materials spills, transportation accidents, explosions, and other natural and man-made disasters.
Although the American Red Cross is not a government agency, its authority to provide disaster relief was formalized when, in 1905, the Red Cross was chartered by Congress 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........
