How to help after a hurricane.
I grew up on the Gulf Coast. I’ve experienced many hurricanes growing up. I know the work that comes with helping neighbors and family members repair and recover after a bad storm. When I moved to the Appalachian Foothills I still went down to help family members and old friends when they needed it. I am by no means a subject matter expert. But from my personal experience, here are some ways that anyone who wants to help can:
1. Start small. You can’t fix everything. Focus on any family or friends you have that may be affected.
2. If you don’t personally know anyone affected, check your local church. It doesn’t matter if you are religious or not, a larger church probably has at least a few members that do have people they know who are affected, and they would appreciate a hand. Additionally, some churches may have donation centers for the victims or have groups of volunteers go help with cleanup and disaster relief.
3. Donate. Blood and plasma is something not many people think of, but hospitals providing aid will need all they can get. Clothes are always good. Shoes are also important. Old ice chests and old camping equipment are also things to consider donating. Donating can be done at any churches that are receiving donations or any Salvation Army or Red Cross donations center. Also, check and see if your local Fire and Police Departments are collecting any donations.
If you are going in person, bring a cooler filled with iced bottled water and Sports Drinks. Some people may have gone days or weeks in the heat and humidity with no air conditioning or way to cool off. It’s amazing how simple something as a cold drink can improve someone’s outlook.
4. Don’t get in the way. While you may want to go right away. Wait until it is declared safe before proceeding to go to any affected areas. Do not waste the time of first responders by making them take time to help you or keep you out of danger. Believe me, they’ve got better things to worry about. It may be hard, but waiting until it’s safe to help is one of the best things you can do.
5. Keep clean. Floodwaters have nasty things in them. Debris, dead animals, sewage, rotten food, and chemicals are rampant in floodwater. Keep yourself protected from harmful exposure by wearing waders and rubber boots any time you go in flooded areas. Bring gloves, face masks, and goggles for when you are working on people’s homes. Bring lots of baby wipes and rubbing alcohol, until the water systems are safe they may be the only things available to clean and sanitize your skin.
6. Help. Have a good attitude. It’ll be tough work, you may see some sad things, you will get very tired. But trust me, the people you help will have a little more peace knowing someone cares enough to help. Something small can make a huge difference to people who have lost everything. Nothing that helps the people affected by the storms is too small or not helpful enough.