disaster 5th 1108_5th ed 2011 - Homeland Security and Emergency ...

TIPS ON HELPING OTHERS
IN THEIR TIME OF NEED
A disaster really brings out the generosity of many people who want to help
the victims. Unfortunately, sometimes this kindness overwhelms agencies
that are trying to coordinate relief efforts so please review the following
general guidelines defined by FEMA on helping others after a disaster.
• In addition to the people you care for on a daily basis, consider
the needs of your neighbors and people with special
needs.
• If you want to volunteer your services after a disaster,
listen to local news reports for information about where volunteers
are needed. Until volunteers are specifically
requested, please stay away from disaster areas.
• If you are needed in a disaster area, bring your own food,
water and emergency supplies. This is especially important
in cases where a large area has been hit since these items
may be in short supply.
• Do not drop off food, clothing or items to a government
agency or disaster relief organization unless a particular
item has been requested. They usually don’t have the
resources to sort through donations and it is very costly to
ship these bulk items.
• If you wish, give check or money order to a recognized
disaster relief organization like the Salvation Army or Red
Cross. They can process funds, purchase what is needed and
get it to the people who need it most. Your entire
donation goes towards the disaster relief since these
organizations raise money for overhead expenses through
separate fund drives.
• If your company wants to donate emergency supplies,
donate a quantity of a given item or class of items (such as
nonperishable food) rather than a mix of different items.
Also, find out where donation is going, how it’s going to get
there, who’s going to unload it and how it will be distributed.
Without good planning, much needed supplies will be
left unused.
• Donate blood or help organize a blood drive.
154 www.itsadisaster.net or call 1-888-999-4325