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How can I Help in a Natural Disaster?

Sherry Holetzky
Sherry Holetzky

Many people want to offer help in a natural disaster, whether by donating money, transporting supplies, giving blood, or volunteering to go into affected areas and offer physical assistance. Unfortunately, there are times when well-meaning people get in the way more than they help. In the US, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the National Guard, and some charitable organizations have trained workers that go into disaster areas to perform search and rescue as well as to aid survivors. An untrained individual may end up becoming another person in need of rescue.

If you decide to volunteer during a natural disaster, be sure to coordinate with trained responders so that your assistance can be effectively utilized. You may be able to offer transportation to survivors who are not seriously injured or help bring in necessities, but you should never take it upon yourself to decide what needs to be done.

In the U.S., there are trained governmental and charitable organizations that respond to natural disasters.
In the U.S., there are trained governmental and charitable organizations that respond to natural disasters.

Giving donations is often the best way to help. Relief efforts cost massive amounts of money in order for relief teams to do their jobs and provide necessities to victims. Just make sure that your donation goes to a reputable organization, one that spends the largest percentage of its donations on direct assistance to victims of the disaster instead of using the money for other programs and expenditures. As a rule, avoid charities that will not disclose the breakdown of how each dollar is spent and those that spend more than 20% of monies received on "administrative" or other expenses.

During some natural disasters, blood donations are helpful.
During some natural disasters, blood donations are helpful.

If you would like to check out different charitable organizations, a good place to start is the Better Business Bureau (BBB). In conjunction with the BBB, there are also websites that offer reviews of various charities, along with their records and spending habits. After a natural disaster, fraudulent "charities" often show up trying to collect money. Look for a well-recognized, well-respected name, or do some research before giving.

Donating money in the wake of a natural disaster may be the most efficient way to help.
Donating money in the wake of a natural disaster may be the most efficient way to help.

When you decide on a charity, also inquire whether or not the organization has a specific fund set aside for the particular relief effort you want your donation applied to. Many charities simply add donations to their general fund or to other projects if you do not indicate specifically where you would like the money to go. If you are donating to help the victims of a specific event, make sure that's where your money is going.

Food can be donated to help in a natural disaster.
Food can be donated to help in a natural disaster.

If you would rather donate food, clothing, or other supplies, make sure such items are sent to the proper location. Staging areas, the places you see on TV, often lack the time, space, or personnel to handle these types of donations. They are busy trying to rescue people that have been trapped or harmed. Make sure the items are sent to appropriate locations where they can be effectively sorted and distributed to those in need.

Food donations to help in a natural disaster need to be sent to the right location.
Food donations to help in a natural disaster need to be sent to the right location.

Many schools, churches and community centers conduct food and clothing drives during a natural disaster, and these drives are best suited to handle such donations. It is also a good idea to learn which items are the most needed before donating. Just know that any effort you make to help, no matter how large or how small, will be appreciated.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most effective ways to help immediately after a natural disaster?

People should leave the actual work at a natural disaster site to professionals, such as teams from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
People should leave the actual work at a natural disaster site to professionals, such as teams from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Immediately after a natural disaster, the most effective ways to help include donating to reputable relief organizations, volunteering with local disaster response teams, and providing supplies to affected areas. According to the Center for International Disaster Information, monetary donations to established relief agencies are often more helpful than donating goods, as they allow professionals to purchase exactly what is needed.

How can I volunteer to assist animals affected by natural disasters?

Canned good are a valuable item to donate in times of a natural disaster.
Canned good are a valuable item to donate in times of a natural disaster.

To assist animals affected by natural disasters, you can volunteer with organizations like the Humane Society or local animal shelters that often set up emergency rescue operations. Training in animal first aid and disaster response can be invaluable, and the National Animal Rescue and Sheltering Coalition (NARSC) suggests that preparedness and training are crucial for effective animal disaster response.

Is it safe to go to a disaster area to offer help?

Donations of bottle water can be very helpful to those in a disaster area.
Donations of bottle water can be very helpful to those in a disaster area.

While the desire to help is commendable, it's important to prioritize safety. Disaster areas can be dangerous, and uncoordinated volunteer efforts can hinder professional relief operations. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) advises that individuals should only go to disaster areas if they are part of an organized volunteer effort with a recognized relief organization that has coordinated with local authorities.

What long-term assistance can I provide to communities affected by natural disasters?

Donations of flashlights can help those without power.
Donations of flashlights can help those without power.

Long-term assistance to disaster-affected communities can include supporting rebuilding efforts, offering psychological support, and contributing to local economic recovery. Engaging with organizations that focus on long-term development, such as Habitat for Humanity, can ensure that your help contributes to sustainable rebuilding. Additionally, supporting local businesses as they recover helps stimulate economic growth.

Can I donate clothes and food to disaster victims?

Neighborhoods devastated by a natural disaster may need help cleaning up.
Neighborhoods devastated by a natural disaster may need help cleaning up.

While donating clothes and food may seem helpful, it's often not the most efficient form of aid. Logistics and distribution can be challenging in disaster zones. The Red Cross recommends monetary donations to reputable organizations, as they can use the funds to purchase food and clothing locally, which also helps to revive the local economy.

How can I prepare to help in future natural disasters?

Floods can cause damaged property and loss of personal items.
Floods can cause damaged property and loss of personal items.

Preparing to help in future natural disasters involves getting trained in emergency response, first aid, and becoming familiar with the Incident Command System (ICS). Organizations like the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) provide training for civilians. Being prepared also means assembling a disaster supply kit and creating a communication plan, as recommended by Ready.gov, so you can be self-sufficient and informed.

Discussion Comments

Georgesplane

@ Comparables- Natural disaster preparedness is one of the most important ways to help the recovery efforts. Establishing an emergency plan, keeping basic medical supplies on hand, and keeping plenty of fresh water will lessen the burden on emergency response personnel and increase your survivability.

The plan is probably the most important part to natural disaster preparedness, because besides the few scenarios you mentioned, a natural disaster is often a spontaneous event. Establishing a place to meet in case your family becomes separated, and keeping a sheet handy with important health information can help rescuers find loved ones, or save those that are injured.

Comparables

Scientists can predict some natural disasters, and preparation is possible. Warning systems and the media can alert populations to hurricanes, tropical storms, wildfires, and heat waves. Something as simple as checking on your neighbors and the elderly can save lives, reducing natural disaster recovery efforts. Helping people secure their property, or assisting people in stockpiling food, water, and supplies is one of the cheapest ways to reduce the impact of a natural disaster.

I used to live in Hawaii, and when the weather center would forecast a tropical storm or hurricane, my family would join others in checking on our neighbors. We would help people board up their windows, or drive people without transportation to the store to stock up on supplies. As arcane as it may seem in some regions, some areas that still rely heavily on a sense of community.

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    • In the U.S., there are trained governmental and charitable organizations that respond to natural disasters.
      By: Friday
      In the U.S., there are trained governmental and charitable organizations that respond to natural disasters.
    • During some natural disasters, blood donations are helpful.
      By: Kasia Bialasiewicz
      During some natural disasters, blood donations are helpful.
    • Donating money in the wake of a natural disaster may be the most efficient way to help.
      By: duncanandison
      Donating money in the wake of a natural disaster may be the most efficient way to help.
    • Food can be donated to help in a natural disaster.
      By: Xuejun li
      Food can be donated to help in a natural disaster.
    • Food donations to help in a natural disaster need to be sent to the right location.
      By: photka
      Food donations to help in a natural disaster need to be sent to the right location.
    • People should leave the actual work at a natural disaster site to professionals, such as teams from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
      By: Rafael Ben-Ari
      People should leave the actual work at a natural disaster site to professionals, such as teams from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
    • Canned good are a valuable item to donate in times of a natural disaster.
      By: Николай Григорьев
      Canned good are a valuable item to donate in times of a natural disaster.
    • Donations of bottle water can be very helpful to those in a disaster area.
      By: alexlukin
      Donations of bottle water can be very helpful to those in a disaster area.
    • Donations of flashlights can help those without power.
      By: krishnacreations
      Donations of flashlights can help those without power.
    • Neighborhoods devastated by a natural disaster may need help cleaning up.
      By: FrankBirds
      Neighborhoods devastated by a natural disaster may need help cleaning up.
    • Floods can cause damaged property and loss of personal items.
      By: FedeCandoniPhoto
      Floods can cause damaged property and loss of personal items.
    • Volunteers are often needed after a natural disaster.
      By: Enrico Di Cino
      Volunteers are often needed after a natural disaster.
    • Providing first aid is very important during the immediate aftermath of a natural disaster.
      By: Paul Gibbings
      Providing first aid is very important during the immediate aftermath of a natural disaster.
    • Donating clothes can help survivors of a natural disaster.
      By: adisa
      Donating clothes can help survivors of a natural disaster.