How to help when there is a disaster

[linuxgeek]

Volunteer

When a disaster happens, the Red Cross is one of the first non-governmental agencies with volunteers, food, and resources on the ground. Anyone can volunteer with the Red Cross. If you are not sure where you can provide a hand, they will help introduce you to what exactly the Red Cross does with their orientation courses.

When a disaster happens, standard operation expects the Red Cross chapters where the disaster happens to handle the situation for the first 3 days. In those three days the national umbrella Red Cross Organization will move in additional volunteers and resources to shelter and assist those effected by the disaster.

When you volunteer with the Red Cross, you can do so as only a local volunteer or put yourself in the system to be available to assist in disasters throughout the US and internationally. When working with the Red Cross outside of your local chapter, the Red Cross will tend to your basic needs (food, water, shelter, etc.). Standard deployment to a out of chapter disaster is 2 to 3 weeks. Even if you have more time, they perfer to rotate volunteers out so they do not burn out. The Red Cross does not provide casulties.

If you can only volunteer with your local Red Cross Chapter, doing so may allow someone else to go help with the out of area disaster.

While monitary donations are always welcome to help provide materials to a disaster area, volunteers can be worth more than money when helping those in a disaster area.

This URL (http://www.redcross.org/index.html) will help you find your local Red Cross chapter by your zipcode.

There are many other NGOs which assist directly in helping people affected by a disaster. The Red Cross just happens to be the one I am affilated with and have direct information.


Cash & materials (food, blankets, dipers, etc.)

With today's busy work schedules, the time to volunteer is not always available. In those cases cash & material donations will be accepted and can be included in tax deduction itemizations. The advantage of cash donations over materials is cash can be moved electronically into the area where it is needed for clients and does not require any trucks to move it, warehouses to store it, or people to move it from point A to point B. Also, materials being purchased local to the disaster area will help in the rebuilding the economy of the striken area.

Always check with the organization you plan to donate to before donating materials instead of cash. They will tell you what items they need, where they need them, and where to drop them off. If not dropped off at a location the organization is actively working from, what you donate may never make it to the people you intended it to reach.

 

[silverwhisper]

thanks for posting that, linuxgeek. there may also be injured people who would benefit from blood donations.

ed

 

[EJFan]

there may also be injured people who would benefit from blood donations.

ed

good idea!

 

[linuxgeek]

src: FEMA

Cash Sought To Help Hurricane Victims, Volunteers Should Not Self-Dispatch

Release Date: August 29, 2005
Release Number: HQ-05-177

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Voluntary organizations are seeking cash donations to assist victims of Hurricane Katrina in Gulf Coast states, according to Michael D. Brown, Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Emergency Preparedness and Response. But, volunteers should not report directly to the affected areas unless directed by a voluntary agency.

“Cash donations are especially helpful to victims,” Brown said. “They allow volunteer agencies to issue cash vouchers to victims so they can meet their needs. Cash donations also allow agencies to avoid the labor-intensive need to store, sort, pack and distribute donated goods. Donated money prevents, too, the prohibitive cost of air or sea transportation that donated goods require.”

Volunteer agencies provide a wide variety of services after disasters, such as clean up, childcare, housing repair, crisis counseling, sheltering and food.

“We’re grateful for the outpouring of support already,” Brown said. “But it’s important that volunteer response is coordinated by the professionals who can direct volunteers with the appropriate skills to the hardest-hit areas where they are needed most. Self-dispatched volunteers and especially sightseers can put themselves and others in harm’s way and hamper rescue efforts.”

For further information: visit the website for the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD) at: http://www.nvoad.org/.

FEMA prepares the nation for all hazards and manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, trains first responders, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.

 

[linuxgeek]

American Red Cross (800) HELP NOW (435-7669) English; (800) 257-7575 Spanish
Operation Blessing (800) 436-6348
America's Second Harvest (800) 344-8070
Adventist Community Services (800) 381-7171
Catholic Charities, USA (703) 549-1390
Christian Disaster Response (941) 956-5183 or (941) 551-9554
Christian Reformed World Relief Committee (800) 848-5818
Church World Service (800) 297-1516
Convoy of Hope (417) 823-8998
Lutheran Disaster Response (800) 638-3522
Mennonite Disaster Service (717) 859-2210
Nazarene Disaster Response (888) 256-5886
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (800) 872-3283
Salvation Army (800) SAL-ARMY (725-2769)
Southern Baptist Convention -- Disaster Relief (800) 462-8657, ext. 6440
United Methodist Committee on Relief (800) 554-8583

The Salvation Army (http://www.salvationarmyusa.org/)
The Southern Baptist Convention (http://www.namb.net/site/c.9qKILUOzEpH/b.224451/k.7BDB/Disaster_Relief_Homepage.htm)
Adventist Community Services: http://www.adventist.communityservices.org/
America's Second Harvest: http://www.secondharvest.org/
Catholic Charities, USA: http://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org/
Christian Disaster Response: http://www.cdresponse.org/
Christian Reformed World Relief Committee: http://www.crwrc.org/
Church World Service: http://www.churchworldservice.org/
Convoy of Hope: http://www.convoyofhope.org/
Lutheran Disaster Response: http://www.elca.org/disaster/
Lutheran World Relief: http://www.lwr.org/
Mennonite Disaster Service: http://www.mds.mennonite.net/
Nazarene Disaster Response: http://www.nazarenedisasterresponse.org/
Operation Blessing: http://www.ob.org/
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance: http://www.pcusa.org/pda/
United Methodist Committee on Relief: http://gbgm-umc.org/umcor/
National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster: http://www.nvoad.org/
Operation USA: 1-800-678-7255 or http://www.opusa.org
Islamic Relief: http://www.irw.org/katrina
ICNA Relief: http://icnarelief.org
Humane Society of the United States: http://www.hsus.org
United Jewish Communities: http://www.ujc.org/
Direct Relief International: www.directrelief.org
United Way: www.unitedway.org
Mercycorps: http://www.mercycorps.org/
International Medical Corps: http://www.imcworldwide.org
Feed the Children: http://www.feedthechildren.org
The Bush - Clinton Katrina Fund: http://www.bushclintonkatrinafund.org/
Habitat for Humanity International: http://www.habitat.org/
Episcopal Relief and Development: http://www.er-d.org/
World Concern -- (800) 755-5022 ext. 0 : http://www.worldconcern.org/

 

[linuxgeek]

Pet specific:

American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals: http://www.aspca.org/
Louisiana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals: http://www.la-spca.org/
Noah's Wish: www.noahswish.org
North Shore Animal League -- (877) 4savepet : http://www.nsalamerica.org/
Humane Society of America -- (888) 259-5431 : http://www.hsus.org/
Animal Emergency Response Network : http://disaster.petfinder.com/emergency/
American Veterinary Medical Association : http://www.avma.org/
United Animal Nation/Emergency Animal Rescue Services : http://www.uan.org/
PetFinder.com Adopt a Homeless Pet : http://www.petfinder.com/disaster/index.html

 

[linuxgeek]

Indirectly, one way of helping those outside of the disaster area is to be able to get messages into the disaster area. One way this happens is through a group of volunteers with the Salvation Army. They are known as SATERN (Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network). They are amateur radio operators who pass in requests to the disaster area for information on persons and then bring the information back out.

On their website (http://www.satern.org/) they have a location for submitting a Health and Welfare Information Request. Do realize this will not be an instant response. Usually, for at least the first 72 hours after a disaster, no H&W traffic is handled because the primary concern is emergency traffic and then logistical, and resource traffic.

 

[linuxgeek]

Registries for Locating missing or surviors to post they are ok:

Hurricane Katrina Official Government Website: http://www.firstgov.gov/Citizen/Topics/PublicSafety/Hurricane_Katrina_Recovery.shtml
National Next of Kin Registry (800) 944-4084 : http://www.nokr.org/
Homeport: Hurricane Katrina Disaster Recovery Assistance: http://homeport.uscg.mil/mycg/portal/ep/home.do
Hurricane Katrina Connection message board: http://survivedkatrina.proboards54.com/index.cgi
Alabama Hospital Association: http://www.alaha.org/hurricane.html
ICRC’s Family News Network: http://www.familylinks.icrc.org/katrina
http://www.hurricanekatrinasurvivors.com
CNN Safe List: http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2005/hurricanes/list/
http://www.katrina.com/

 

[sticky_keyboard]

Bump

goddamn minimum message length

 

[bad kitty]

*subscribing*

 

[guitar_kt]

Thanks

I live in central Mississippi, and I know that many people across the state will appreciate any support you can give. Thanks for getting the word out.

Katrina passed to the east of where I live around 4:00-5:00 pm on Monday afternoon. My power went out around 3:00. It just came back on today. Most of the power in the state has been out, reports are around 80-90% of the people in the state lost power. Most of that is from the southern part of the state. There are thousands of people in shelters in the area, with no where to return to even now that the storm has past. Gas stations that actually have gas have lines 40-50 cars long, and some are without power as well and cannot operate. Trees and power lines are down on most roads, although many have been cleared already.

On top of all the problems going on the temperature the past couple of days has been right around 100 degrees.

I'm sure you've all seen more videos and pictures of what's going on than I have considering my only connection to the world the past 2.5 days has been the radio. Thanks again for all your support!

 

[topale]

I just visited the local Red Cross. They are taking volunteers to sign up for the Disaster Human Resources System (DSHR). They are looking for available people for assignment of at least 7-10 days, preferably longer, with 48 hours notice.
"This is a hardship assignment, meaning that your work may take place in very difficult conditions, which may not be very comfortable." This means possibly no hotel room, showers, etc...not to mention what have got to be some pretty horrible exposure to the obvious grief. I hope they call while I've got time on my hands.

 

[linuxgeek]

For any Amateur Radio Operators on Lit or Lit people who know Amateur Radio Operators:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SRC: http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2005/08/31/101/?nc=1

Hurricane Katrina Volunteer Signup Database Now Open

NEWINGTON, CT, Aug 31, 2005--The Hurricane Katrina Disaster Communications Volunteer Registration & Message Traffic Database now is open. Site Administrator Joe Tomasone, AB2M, set up the database, and South Texas ARRL Section Emergency Coordinator Jerry Reimer, KK5CA, is handling volunteer coordination. This site is intended for Amateur Radio volunteers to sign up for communication support duty on behalf of Hurricane Katrina relief and recovery efforts in Louisiana and Mississippi.

"Standard ARES mutual assistance rules are in effect," Reimer says in a statement for those considering signing up. "ARES volunteers intending to travel should not leave without specific instructions."

Reimer is encouraging trained volunteers "qualified and willing to travel into the area" to register. Initial volunteers chosen for duty will be drawn from those available within Louisiana and Mississippi, followed by volunteers from adjacent sections.

He notes that hotel or motel accommodations are unlikely to be available for volunteers traveling into the storm-stricken states and "any accommodations that are available are likely to be primitive and makeshift." Water suitable for drinking or bathing also is expected to be scarce.

"Unless you are presently mentally and physically prepared for complete self-sufficiency for at least several days, please do not immediately register," Reimer advises. "Not everyone needs to be in the first wave of volunteers; the recovery effort will last weeks and perhaps months, requiring an extended volunteer pool."

The ARRL South Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi sections' mutual assistance agreement is in effect for the Hurricane Katrina response.


http://katrina.ab2m.net/
http://www.laarrl.org/emergops.htm

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SATERN issues call for disaster-zone ham radio teams (Sep 8, 2005) -- The Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network (SATERN) is seeking 10 two-operator Amateur Radio teams for deployment in the US Gulf Coast. Operators must hold at least a General class license. Teams should be fully self sufficient in terms of food, water and lodging and plan to remain in the disaster area for from one to two weeks. Teams should be equipped with HF and, preferably, VHF/UHF, gear and will check in through SATERN's Jackson, Mississippi, marshaling area. The primary mission of the SATERN volunteer teams will be to get health-and-welfare traffic out of the storm and flood-stricken areas and, if possible, handle incoming H&W traffic as well. The Salvation Army continues to ramp up its disaster relief effort and is sending more than 100 meal and relief stations into the affected areas where the need is the greatest. Do not self deploy! Prospective volunteers should contact SATERN Liaison Jeff Schneller, N2HPO, Katrina@satern.us; 917-226-1339 or 347-680-9059. ARES members are requested to notify the Section Emergency Coordinator (SEC) of your section before deploying.

 

[linuxgeek]

In the days and weeks ahead, volunteering with Disaster Aid organizations at the local level is likely to become an substantial need.

Thousands of people fled Katrina by leaving their home states. Many of those either have nothing to go back to or are not being allowed back because of how conditions are deteriating. Central Florida currently has around a 1000 people who are currently seeking shelter and aid because their personal funds are running out. We expect this to be a longer term sheltering operations--a month or more.

We are already seeing people from the effected areas being moved to neighboring states. The Astrodome will be sheltering thousands of people in a matter of days. I would not be surprized to hear of other large covered sports arenas and/or convention centers in neighboring states being set up as shelters as the numbers of homeless and those fleeing the flood waters make their way to Disaster Aid shelters already in place in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and northwest Florida.

The current volunteers will do everything they can to help, but they are only human. If this is only left to those already in place to volunteer, they too will become casualties of this disaster.

I wish to encourage anyone who has the time, in at least the neighboring states affected by Katrina, to volunteer what time they have. A few hours each evening and a few hours on weekends will help the volunteers doing 10, 14, 20 hour shifts to have some time to recharge.

 

[linuxgeek]

An info Portal for those who wish to help or are looking for help in Katrina's aftermath.

http://katrinahelp.info/wiki/index.php/Main_Page

 

[linuxgeek]

Forums section (http://www.nola.com/forums) Nola.com has areas for:

• Missing Persons
• I'm OK
• Volunteer
• Reach Out
• Homes Available
• Your Neighborhood

 

[linuxgeek]

Reconnect here: tell them you're safe
A board for refugees of Hurricane Katrina

http://www.msnbc.msn.com***/9159954/


In the chaos and confusion following in Katrina’s wake, families, friends and neighbors have lost track of each other. The breadth and accessibility of the Internet provides us with a tool to aid in the reunion of a disconnected populace.

Do you have loved ones looking for you? Use the form below to let us know where you are, so we can help spread the word that you are safe.

Please do not include phone numbers or e-mail addresses that you do not want published. Our list of messages will be continuously updated.

 

[linuxgeek]

Beware of relief scams

https://forum.literotica.com/showthread.php?p=13969859#post13969859

 

[Weird Harold]

Beware of relief scams

https://forum.literotica.com/showthread.php?p=13969859#post13969859

SilverWhisper and Scalawag contributed the following to assist in avoiding relief scams:

is anybody familiar w/ a rating or certifying body for charitable organizations, that separate out the real charities from the scams?

on scalywag's advice, i am linking to http://www.charitywatch.org/ that does exactly that.

 

[linuxgeek]

Soldiers, spouses, family members and all members of the Army Family who need assistance because of Hurricane Katrina should email the Well-Being Liaison Office at katrina.relief@us.army.mil, or call them at 1-800-833-6622.

http://www.army.mil/katrina/

 

[Hairgrip]

very organised.

 

[linuxgeek]

For those who have been considering volunteering with the Red Cross, but didn't know if you had the 3 hours to dedicate to an instructor lead class, you now have an option.

Starting today, on www.redcross.org, a flash version of the Introduction to Disaster Services course is now offered.


http://www2.redcross.org/flash/course01_v01/

 

[pinkstarfish]

Second Harvest Donation Page:
http://www.secondharvest.org/site_content.asp?s=95

Unlike the Red Cross, Second Harvest is not a blood pyramid scheme run
by Dracula and his night minions.

 

[pinkstarfish]

Another resource:

http://www.leadnet.org/KatrinaRelief.asp

 

[Guest]

Beware Of Fraud!

I got this in the mail today, and thought I would share it. Some sick capitalist pigs decided they would try to take advantage of people's good nature and make some bucks/get some laughs at others' expense. Please read:

SUBJECT:
Fraudulent Websites for Hurricane Katrina Victims

OVERVIEW:
We have received information indicating thatInternet domain names are being created that could be used to lure unwaryusers into visiting potentially malicious web sites.

BULLETIN:
Relief and charity efforts for the victims ofHurricane Katrina began immediately after the hurricane devastated theGulf Coast area. Shortly thereafter, web sites began to appear which were designed to defraud unsuspecting users. Some of the activities include soliciting donations for seemingly charitable purposes, attempting to collect personal information through phishing scams and also
spreading malware to unsuspecting users. Over the past few days, domain names
that redirect users to malicious web sites have appeared online, in addition to email scams requesting donations for those impacted by the hurricane. While some of these sites and messages may be legitimate, many are not. At the time of this bulletin, please be aware that the following domains are reported to be suspicious:

katrinahelp.com
katrinacleanup.com
katrinarelief.com.

Please note that this is not an exhaustive listand additional domains may continue to appear.

In addition to fraudulent web sites, opportunists may use this event as a vehicle for other types of onlineattacks. For example, email messages that claim to contain attachments with photos, video, or other information about Hurricane Katrina may actually contain viruses, worms, or other malware.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

We recommend that staff be advised to:

* Validate the relief fund or charity througha known reliable entity. Please refer to the FEMA link belowfor a list of reputable disaster relief resources for HurricaneKatrina.
* When a message containing a request fordonations for these victims appears, do not respnd unless you are certain it is a valid message.
* Avoid visiting untrusted web sites.
* Avoid opening email messages and attachments that claim to contain video, photos, or other information relating to relief solicitation for Hurricane Katrina.
* Follow standard best practices for email and web browsing
security.


REFERENCES:

SANS:
http://isc.sans.org/diary.php?date=2005-08-31<http://isc.sans.org/
diary.php?date=2005-08-31>

WashingtonPost:
http://blogs.washingtonpost.com/securityfix/2005/08/
katrina_phishin.html<http://blogs.washingtonpost.com/securityfix/
2005/08/katrina_phishin.html>

Better BusinessBureau:
http://www.give.org/news/disaster_pr.asp<http://www.give.org/news/
disaster_pr.asp>

Federal Emergency ManagementAgency:
http://www.fema.gov/press/2005/resources_katrina.shtm<http://
www.fema.gov/press/2005/resources_katrina.shtm>