How to Help During a Natural Disaster

Natural disasters can leave communities devastated, but there are numerous ways to provide help and support to those in need. From donating money to volunteering your time, here are practical steps you can take to make a difference.

Things You Should Know

• Look for a reputable organization and donate money to have an immediate impact.
• Cash donations are often preferable to clothes and other physical goods because storage is a challenge.
• Get the word out and contact your local politicians to encourage others to do more.

Part 1: Immediate Financial Assistance

Step 1: Donate to National Disaster Relief Organizations

1. Send money to reputable organizations: Choose well-known, reliable organizations that are known for their disaster relief efforts, such as UNICEF, Direct Relief, or Habitat for Humanity.
2. Verify the charity: Use websites like the Better Business Bureau, Charity Watch, or Charity Navigator to ensure the organization is reputable.
3. Consider specialized groups: If you want to help specific groups, consider donating to the ASPCA, The Humane Society, Feeding America, or Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

Step 2: Find Local Organizations to Support

1. Local impact: Smaller local organizations may be able to put your money to use faster and more effectively.
2. Search for local programs: Use the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD) website to find local organizations involved in relief efforts.

Step 3: Organize a Fundraiser

1. Get creative: Organize bake sales, car washes, lemonade stands, yard sales, or other community events to raise funds.
2. Collect donations: Set up collection jars at local businesses, schools, or places of worship.
3. Leverage matching funds: Ask your school or workplace if they’ll match the funds you raise.

Part 2: Blood and Goods Donation

Step 4: Donate Blood at a Blood Bank

1. Critical need: Blood supplies often run short after major disasters.
2. Contact local blood banks: Check the American Red Cross’s website for donation requirements and to schedule an appointment.
3. Eligibility: Generally, anyone aged 18 to 65 without transferable diseases can donate.

Step 5: Give Away Clothes and Goods

1. Donate locally: If you’re near the affected area, find local food banks, shelters, and faith-based organizations that are accepting donations.
2. Call ahead: Confirm what items are needed to avoid logistical issues like storage and delivery costs.
3. Specific needs: Different disasters require different supplies, such as mops and buckets for floods.

Part 3: Volunteer Efforts

Step 6: Spread Awareness Online

1. Share information: Use social media to share news stories and updates about the disaster.
2. Trending hashtags: Use relevant hashtags to contribute to the conversation and raise awareness.
3. Profile pictures: Change your profile picture to show support, such as using a ribbon campaign filter.

Step 7: Volunteer at Local Charities

1. Help locally: Reach out to nearby churches, soup kitchens, or charity organizations to volunteer.
2. Call 211: In the US, calling 211 can help you find local organizations in need of volunteers.

Step 8: Shelter Displaced Families or Animals

1. Provide housing: Offer unoccupied rental properties, vacation homes, or spare rooms to families in need.
2. Help animals: Contact organizations like the ASPCA or Humane Society to support displaced animals.

Step 9: Help Rebuild Homes or Public Spaces

1. Use your skills: Volunteer your trade skills for reconstruction and repair efforts.
2. Clear and prepare land: Help with excavation, clearing debris, or other site preparation tasks.
3. Organizations to join: Volunteer with groups like Habitat for Humanity or contact local officials for rebuilding efforts.

Step 10: Contact the State and Federal Government

1. Advocate for action: Urge your representatives to allocate more funds for disaster relief.
2. Persistent communication: Write letters, make phone calls, and encourage others to do the same.
3. Protest if necessary: Organize or join protests to demand action from public representatives.

Tips for Effective Help

• Contact established organizations: Find out exactly what is needed before donating or volunteering.
• Set up recurring donations: Regular donations ensure organizations are prepared for future disasters.
• Prayer: If you are religious, prayer can be a powerful way to offer support.

By following these steps, you can provide meaningful assistance during a natural disaster, ensuring that your time, effort, and resources are effectively used to help those in need.