How to Help During a Natural Disaster

When a disaster strikes, many people feel compelled to help in some way, but knowing how or where to help can be difficult. There is always a need for assistance, from the time the disaster hits and sometimes for years afterwards. There are many ways that you can get involved by donating your time, money, and energy to help the people and areas that have been affected by a natural disaster.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Donating Money and Resources

1. Send money to a reputable national organization for disaster relief. This is the best way to help. Sending money allows the organizations to allocate funds as needed. Some trustworthy organizations to consider donating to include UNICEF, Direct Relief, or Habitat for Humanity.^[1] Check the Better Business Bureau or Charity Watch online to find out if the charity you are considering donating to is reputable.^[2]
   
   • You may also consider donating money to organizations like ASPCA and the Humane Society to help animals that have been affected.
   • See if the organization offers a texting donation line. You may be able to donate by simply sending a quick text to the charity’s number. The charge will typically show up on your next wireless bill.
2. Find local programs in your area to donate to. Visit the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster’s (NVOAD) website at https://www.nvoad.org/voad-members/national-members/. This will help you to find reputable local programs in the areas affected by a disaster. NVOAD also specializes in coordinating relief efforts so that efforts aren’t duplicated by multiple agencies. This works to ensure that all needs are covered efficiently.^[3]
   
3. Organize a fundraiser to raise money. Collect donations by setting up a collection jar at your school, work, or a local restaurant, or simply asking your friends and neighbors. If you have the time, plan another type of fundraiser. Fast and easy ideas include bake sales, lemonade stands, yard sales, or car washes.
   
   • Once you have collected the money, donate it to a national organization or local program.
4. Give blood at a local donation center. Your blood donation can literally help save a life, especially during disasters such as earthquakes. Check the American Red Cross website for the specific donation requirements in your area and to schedule an appointment.^[4]
   
   • You can donate blood at any time, even before a disaster strikes. Your blood will be held on reserve, and will be immediately available to use when it’s needed.
5. Donate clothes and household items if you live near an affected area. Search NVOAD online to find local food banks, shelters, and faith-based organizations that are providing relief efforts and to find out what items are being accepted.
   
   • Sometimes even basic necessities, like water bottles, can’t be accepted due to logistics like storage space and delivery costs, so it’s best to call ahead or check online to find out what’s needed.
   • The supplies that are needed often depend on the type of disaster. For instance, mops, buckets, and dehumidifiers might be needed during a flood.
   • While it may be natural to want to send toys to help comfort children who have been affected, toys are typically not encouraged because they are not considered an immediate need, and also due to other concerns such as storage and distribution.^[5]

[Edit]Lending a Helping Hand

1. Volunteer at a local center if you live near an affected area. Help cook or serve food at a relief kitchen, organize donated items at a church or charity, answer phones for an organization, or deliver food and water.
   
   • If you aren’t sure how or where to help, call your local 2-1-1 line. They will be able to provide you with community information as well as ways to get involved.^[6]
2. Shelter displaced families and animals. There is often an immediate need for shelter, so if you have unoccupied rental property or vacation homes, this would be a great way to help. Or if you live near an affected area and have a room to spare, consider opening up your home to a family in need.
   
   • You can list your home or room on Airbnb for free to host a displaced family.^[7]
   • Contact an organization like ASPCA or the Humane Society to see how you can help provide support for animals that have been affected.^[8]
3. Use your skills or trade to help rebuild damaged areas. There is always a great need to repair homes and buildings that have been damaged or destroyed during a disaster. Volunteering your time and energy is a great way to get involved.
   
   • For example, if you know how to do excavation, you can help by clearing and preparing land. If you do any type of construction work, you can use your skills to repair or reconstruct homes and buildings.
   • Whether you live in the disaster area or need to travel to the disaster zone, you can help with rebuilding through organizations like Habitat for Humanity. You can also help on your own by contacting your local officials to see where help is needed.^[9]
   • Even if you are not skilled in a specific trade, you can help with other tasks like removing debris and site cleanup, shoveling, or delivering supplies.

[Edit]Tips

• Contact established organizations to find out exactly what the needs are and how you can best help. Sometimes due to things like logistics, places aren’t able to accept physical items. Money or manpower may be more helpful so it can be allocated as needed.
• Always remember, even if you don’t have a lot of money to give, every little bit helps.

[Edit]Warnings

• Be cautious when you are donating to an unfamiliar organization or individual. Always check the Better Business Bureau or Charity Watch online first.^[10]

[Edit]References

1. ↑ https://www.nais.org/articles/pages/relief-organizations-for-natural-disasters-150850.aspx
2. ↑ https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0074-giving-charity
3. ↑ https://www.nvoad.org/voad-members/national-members/
4. ↑ https://www.redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/how-to-donate/eligibility-requirements.html
5. ↑ https://www.npr.org/2013/01/09/168946170/thanks-but-no-thanks-when-post-disaster-donations-overwhelm
6. ↑ http://www.helplinecenter.org/2-1-1-community-resources/what-is-211/
7. ↑ http://activistlab.bu.edu/natural-disaster-relief/
8. ↑ http://www.onegreenplanet.org/animalsandnature/groups-dedicated-to-saving-animals-in-disaster-situations/
9. ↑ https://www.habitat.org/volunteer/build-events
10. ↑ https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0074-giving-charity

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