Disaster Relief

Our network has come a long way since 2005, evolving beyond disaster relief to support community resiliency and regenerative initiatives worldwide. While disaster relief is no longer our primary focus, we remain committed to empowering communities in disaster-affected areas. We continue to support community projects in these spaces and aim to provide our network with essential resources to aid in disaster response and recovery.

On a long enough timeline every community will experience a disaster.

Phases to a Disaster: What sort of help can I provide?

It’s important to remember that there are several phases to any Disaster:
1. Emergency Rescue & Response
2. Relief
3. Long-term Recovery.

The immediate disaster rescue & response during a state of emergency often requires specialized training. Unless you have a specific skill set and are working with an organization, it’s advised not to volunteer during this phase. Untrained volunteers can put themselves and others at risk.

If you find yourself in an active disaster site, first focus on evacuating yourself to safety and avoiding actions that might necessitate a rescue. If you’re interested in remote volunteering during this phase, consider connecting with groups like Cajun Navy Relief or local mutual aid organizations.

Relief

The Relief period sees the most volunteer activity. This is when people set up pop-up kitchens, distribute clothes, and help meet the immediate survival needs of those who have been displaced. Your efforts during this time can provide crucial support to those affected by the disaster.

Long-term Recovery

The Recovery and Rebuild stage is when the most help is needed, yet it often receives the least volunteer support. This phase can continue for years and is vital for restoring communities. Your participation here can make a significant, lasting impact.

How Can My Community Support a Disaster-Affected Community?

Donate Money

Monetary donations are often the most effective way to support disaster recovery, especially during the immediate aftermath. Funds sent to local organizations can be used where they are needed most. Always research and find organizations that work closely with the affected communities. Here are some grassroots organizations to consider supporting. Remember, organizing fundraising events can be a powerful way to contribute.

Donate Blood

Medical needs are critical in the wake of a disaster. Donating blood anywhere in the country can help replenish supplies in disaster zones. Find a blood drive through the Red Cross.

Volunteer Time & Energy

Volunteering during the longer-term rebuilding phases is essential. If you live in an affected area, helping neighbors can make a huge difference. Disasters often lead to strong community bonds. If volunteering in another region, be self-reliant to avoid becoming an additional burden. Many organizations need help with tasks like answering phones, sorting donations, removing debris, and delivering goods. Avoid becoming a “Spontaneous Uninvited Volunteer (SUV). Research and connect with organizations like:

Donate Goods

Donating goods is often the least effective way to help, even though it’s what many people gravitate towards. Distribution centers frequently receive literal tons of clothes, household items, and random goods that are not suitable for the context. For example, people might send winter jackets to a tropical storm area or use donations as an opportunity to offload items that are of little use.

Goods are often sent in mixed bags or boxes, leading to disorganization and a high risk of dirtying or damaging the items that are actually useful. Without proper sorting and storage, these items can become a burden rather than a help. The effort required to organize and store unwanted items means that many of these goods are eventually discarded, wasting energy, resources, and valuable volunteer hours that could have been better utilized.

To ensure your donations are truly helpful, avoid sending the following items to collection stations unless there is a specific ask from a verified source:

Bottled water: Expensive to ship.
Canned food: Shipping and climate control can compromise the food.
Toys
Clothes
Medical supplies: Quality and safety cannot be verified.

If you plan to donate goods, confirm that you are sending items specifically requested by the community you are supporting. Check with trusted organizations and community organizing hubs for wish lists.

Specific Training Programs and Certifications:

If you’re interested in being better prepared for future emergencies, consider obtaining relevant training and certifications:

First Aid and CPR Training: Offered by organizations like the American Red Cross.
Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Training: Learn how to assist in your community during a disaster. Find a CERT program near you.
Disaster Response Training: Offered by organizations like FEMA and Team Rubicon.

Reliable Sources for Real-Time Information:

Stay informed during emergencies by following reliable sources:

Local Emergency Management Agencies: Keep updated with local authorities for evacuation orders and safety instructions.
National Weather Service: Provides updates on weather-related disasters.
FEMA Mobile App: Offers timely alerts and information on disaster response and recovery.
WatchDuty: alerts you of nearby wildfires and firefighting efforts in real-time.
AidTeam Hazard Radar: a collection of freely available hazard information, all combined into a single understandable map.

Roles for Remote Volunteers:

If you’re interested in volunteering remotely during the rescue phase, there are several ways to contribute:

Information Gathering: Help track and verify information about affected areas and needs.
Dispatch Support: Assist with coordinating rescue and relief efforts from a distance.
Crisis Hotlines: Volunteer to answer calls and provide information to those affected.

Personal Preparedness Tips:

Being prepared yourself can help you assist others more effectively:

Emergency Kit: Have a well-stocked emergency kit with essentials like water, food, medications, and first aid supplies.
Host a community workshop focused on creating Disaster Packs
Check out our ready to go workshop tool-kit here.
Communication Plan: Develop a family communication plan in case you are separated during a disaster.
Know Your Evacuation Routes: Familiarize yourself with local evacuation routes and shelters.

Reading Resources

For more insights on how to help effectively during and after disasters, check out these resources: