Five Ways to Respond to a Major Disaster

Natural disasters like Hurricane Sandy and Hurricane Katrina and tragedies like 9/11 highlight the need for coordinated disaster relief and recovery. The federal government encourages Americans to become involved, and nonprofit and charitable groups organize local response. Whether disaster has occurred at home or abroad, you can help.

Volunteer

• To take a hands-on approach to disaster recovery, volunteer your time and talents. Following major events, many civic-minded citizens travel to the affected regions to provide support — everything from administering first aid to rebuilding homes. Church-affiliated groups and nondenominational organizations arrange these relief efforts, and it is recommended you volunteer through one of these coordinators for your safety and so your skills are put to best use. Depending on the type of disaster and location, you may need medical clearance or vaccinations prior to traveling to the affected area.

Donate Money

• Disaster victims, particularly those affected by natural disasters like hurricanes, tsunamis and tornadoes, likely have lost their homes or need to relocate. In many instances, your money is just as valuable as your physical presence in helping with relief efforts. Charitable contributions support organizations providing temporary housing, food and personal hygiene items to victims. Before giving, though, make sure you trust the organization receiving your money; law enforcement agencies see increases in scam reports following disasters. Also, even reputable organizations like the American Red Cross have been criticized for how donated funds have been allocated.

Donate Blood

• If you can't travel and don't feel comfortable giving money, a need always exists for donated blood. The American Red Cross and local medical foundations manage blood supplies that are critical as medical services are rendered to disaster victims. Universal donors having Type O blood are always sought after, but especially in an emergency, all types are welcomed. Either call the Red Cross to schedule an appointment or watch for blood drive in your area.

Send Needed Items

• Goods are valuable commodities in stricken areas. Churches and groups occasionally will organize community care packages and take a loaded semi to the disaster region. Building materials and significant donations of bottled water or household items can be placed on trucks and hauled as well. Just as with volunteering your services, it is best to allow the Salvation Army or similar groups coordinate these donation efforts and see that the needed supplies reach a location where they will have the greatest impact on recovery.

Prepare

• A significant response to a tragic situation is to take steps so you can be as prepared as possible should an event occur in your town. Citizen Corps, managed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, instructs local volunteers in basic first-aid practices and helps organize a network of amateur radio operators and community safety groups. Members then can take these lessons to their neighborhood associations and block parties and spread the word about preparedness.