The American Red Cross was founded in 1881 by Clara Barton. Today, it is one of the most well-known charities, with 35,000 employees and more than 500,000 volunteers on the rolls. The national headquarters are in Washington, DC; there are hundreds of local chapters nationwide. The Red Cross makes this mission statement on their website: "The American Red Cross prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors."

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The Good

Education
Store

The emergency preparedness section of the Red Cross website is very thorough. The Red Cross has applied knowledge gained through 133 years of disaster response to the materials listed here. Insofar as education goes, we feel that this site is second to none. Users will find an easy to navigate page with information on:

Types of emergencies
Preparing your family
Preparing your home, workplace, and school
Checklists
Disaster related apps
A disaster and safety library with fact sheets, preparedness checklists, recovery guides, and more
Preparing food and water supplies

In addition, there is a limited store where you can purchase emergency kits and supplies.

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The Bad

Pricing

There is not much to say on the negative with The Red Cross. We would like to point out that the items in the online store could very likely be purchased much more cheaply elsewhere, especially if you assemble your own kits.

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The Bottom Line

We recommend the Red Cross as an excellent education resource for learning how to prepare ahead for any kind of disaster or emergency. If the information is necessary or useful, you will find it here. In addition, the website can give users information as to where to get help if disaster does strike. The Red Cross is a charity with a long, impeccable history; we are confident that as a website user, you will find what you are looking for - unless you are searching for a place to purchase preparedness supplies like food storage items, water storage, emergency stoves and fuel, and like items. This is not The Red Cross's purpose, and you will need to look elsewhere for those kinds of supplies.

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User Reviews

Star Rating

4.6

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39 Reviews

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79%

4 grade

10%

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Deborah Dyer Hendersonville, TN

I have always been an avid believer in the Red Cross. They have come to my aide many times. My husband and I regularly give 🩸 blood whenever they have their trucks come to the many sites in our city here in Tennessee. In fact, last week in the mail, I received a card from them informing me of the locations that the Blood Mobile would be for the month of July in our city. I will be looking it over, and probably go to the Library where we have given in the past. Several years ago, when a major tornado hit our large city, we had a lot of damage. When my daughter and I were finally able to get to my elderly parents house, there sat a Red Cross truck giving out sandwiches, hot coffee, water and other necessary items the neighborhood needed. It is one of the few organizations that my husband and I give to due to what all they do. This organization has been around since the 1800’s and continues to perform their job dutifully today.

1 year ago

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tfd1949

An outstanding brand that has committed itself to catastrophic events. The service they serve is outstanding. They support people that have been exposed to all kinds of life’s tragedies

7 months ago

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Michelle Thomas Anaheim, CA

The Red Cross I trust and have donated to many emergency relief situations across the Our Nation. I belive they are amazing. Always first on the scene of every emergency with the support and items that are needed to get people through tough situations.

11 months ago

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Kaylee Gay Chicago, IL

I love how dedicated the Red Cross is to serving communities that have undergone national disasters. They have teams that are supposed to be ready with 48-hour notice to be sent out to help with disaster relief. Red Cross plays a huge factor in gathering supplies and helping people get back on their feet. I want to one day be a part of one of those teams. I also love that the Red Cross is an international organization and that they go and help wherever they are needed. I love how selfless their volunteers are.

3 years ago

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Russ Hamstring Lake Havasu City, AZ

I have been giving to The Red Cross for a great many years now. They have a great track record of helping people all over the world. Their stores are an excellent place to find a deal on second hand goods. One of my favorite things about their website is the disaster preparedness information they give. I follow their guides very closely.

1 year ago

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Peter Land O' Lakes, FL

Excellent company that provide aid and services to many people in need. My family had to use them after a hurricane and they were great! Of course they do not charge any fees for services rendered or products provided for people.

1 year ago

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Steve Anderson Lindon, UT

I am a big fan of the Red Cross. I don't blood to them ever chance I get because I am sold on the good they do for others. You will see them everywhere. If there is an emergency, they will be there. They have along history of service so they are very experienced in what they do. Well organized and efficient. BYW, if you get a chance, give some blood to help others. A LOT of people will appreciate it.

5 years ago

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nathan brewer Lehi, UT

My wife and I went on our anniversary trip to New York right after hurricane Sandy. We felt so bad about what had happened we wanted to help instead of just vacation. We looked up the American Red Cross and were easily connected to a big group of volunteers and had such a fun time helping all over New York. It was such a fun way to see New York and also help people at the same time.

5 years ago

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Jowara Morgande

I liked that they sent us out to help people. The organization is great, they train you and provide certification as well. The customer service with Red Cross is really professional.

1 year ago

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Heather H Sanford, FL

Red Cross is incredibly valuable for communities in times of need. They provide resources and are consistent with taking responsibility to assist people.

1 year ago

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Jewelleah Kempers Los Angeles, CA

When my home burnt down the Red Cross came through with some essential clothing, a sleeping bag and a tent but they did not offer any cash resources due to the fact they did not like my type of home dwelling which was a treehouse and they were not that concerned about my loss because it was not a regular house

2 years ago

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Sadie Scoville Pleasant Grove, UT

My mom donates blood to American Red Cross, and she always says the customer service is great. I came with her once, didn't donate blood, but they gave me treats just for being there.

6 years ago

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Chrissy Lang Bellevue, WA

I had to use Red Cross right after my house burned down thank you for putting a roof over my head when I did in that one

1 year ago

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Tony's Babygirl Staton MO

A wonderful charity and organization . Helpful to aide in any disaster or situation, no matter where, red cross is there.

1 year ago

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Heather Novus Palm Bay, FL

Red cross has helped multiple military members get home on emergency leave. They are compassionate, empathetic, and fast working.

2 years ago

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Kristiane R Durfey Orem, UT

Red cross is known for being a good place for emergency preparation. They have the experience and the knowledge to help you along with your needs.

2 years ago

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Ann Bailey Lehi, UT

I have taken CPR classes through their facility, and given blood through their mobile services. I have always found their staff to be private and professional.

5 years ago

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Lauren Jorgensen Salt Lake City, UT

I love the American Red Cross and what they stand for. I donate blood regularly through the American Red Cross. I know how important my donation is to saving lives.

5 years ago

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Madge Easton Orem, UT

My husband has used this service .He has one of the rared blood types. So they are on top of getting him back in to donate blood. They have kept accurate records and call him when it s time to give again.

6 years ago

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Randi Nelson Managua, MN

Red Cross always has a hotline to call when in need and also has been so helpful around the world with emergency needs.

4 years ago

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Amanda Montebello, CA

I have taken an emergency preparedness course with the American Red Cross and it was very resourceful.

4 years ago

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H Moore Lehi, UT

We donated to the Red Cross financially, as well as going to their blood donor events. We appreciate their service.

6 years ago

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Kenneth Okerlund

Red cross makes it very easy to donate, whether it be monetary or service. Cost for the courses tend to not be too bad either.

7 years ago

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Debbie Aston Alpine, UT

I think the red cross does a lot of good, but they call my husband ALL the time to get him to donate blood. It is unreal how much they call and bug him. he has even told them to put him on the do not call list, but they continue to call. It is sad because he almost doesn't want to donate anymore because of how much the bug him.

5 years ago

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Ponch Thompson South Jordan, UT

We have used Red Cross and have seen the distribution of supplies as well as the ability to send blood to areas in critical need. Great organizatio..

5 years ago

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Rochelle Thompson South Jordan, UT

The Red Cross is an amazing organization that provides relief to so many!! I have been tremendously impressed with their disaster relief efforts!!

5 years ago

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Jobie Goodro Orem, UT

Have donated blood with them multiple times. I’ve always had a positive experience and left feeling as though I had helped someone in need

5 years ago

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Lisa Imes DeMotte, IN

Helpful & very friendly! You have an issue, they are there for you.

10 months ago

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Amanda George IL

I have volunteered with Red Cross a couple of times. Their services are free and helpful, but there is a long waiting list to receive help when you need it.

1 year ago Edited July 7, 2023

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Amelia Gibson South Jordan, UT

Everytime I have used the Red cross, they have been super kind, efficient, and helpful.

6 years ago

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Mauri Brewer Lehi, UT

I really am impressed by all the red cross can accomplish with emergency aid distribution and blood collection.

5 years ago

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June Parks Hudsonville, MI

They have helped me over the years and still provide all kinds of information

1 year ago

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AlisaD Salt Lake City, UT

Love that they want to help people and so easy to find locations.

2 years ago

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Grossarth Family Herriman, UT

Great resource for first aid and CPR certification renewals.

2 years ago

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A Craw Draper, UT

I loved the American Red Cross CPR class I took. It was very informative.

6 years ago

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Lori Wakefield Orem, UT

Red Cross needs to send more experienced employees to their blood drives. You have people willing to give but many employees blow it so donors can't give due to inexperience.

5 years ago

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Grant American Fork, UT

I have been able to find out quick and reliable emergency information from the Red Cross website.

5 years ago

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Cindy Bailey Lehi, UT

I did a blood drive for them and they were professional and supportive. Good service

5 years ago

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Nana Asiata Herriman, UT

Red Cross is a great company that help people all over the world.

6 years ago Edited September 14, 2021