Hurricane Isaias: How to help effectively
As Hurricane Isaias moves toward likely landfall in the Panhandle tonight, we know many members of the FSU community may be looking for ways to help with efforts across the state and region.
Preparing for impact
Before planning response to the storm, remember that impacts from tropical weather can be unpredictable, and it’s important to make sure you are prepared for potential effects locally. Follow guidance from FSU Emergency Management and local sources like the city of Tallahassee’s Division of Emergency Management or Leon Ready.
As the storm progresses, be sure to follow sources such as FSU Alerts or Leon County Citizens Connect to keep apprised of local conditions and status updates.
Responding after the fact
While the urge to help in affected areas may be strong, disaster recovery experts often caution individuals from self-deploying to recovery efforts, as it can be dangerous for volunteers and impede the initial response of first responders and trained volunteers.
One of the most immediate and effective ways to assist in recovery efforts after a natural disaster is through financial contributions. Trusted donation locations such as the Florida Disaster Fund or the American Red Cross donation portal, where donors can choose general or storm-specific disaster relief, provide means for responders to get the type of help where it is needed quickly.
Volunteer Florida is the state’s lead agency for volunteers and donations before, during, and after disasters and serves as an excellent point of entry for relief efforts. Volunteer Florida’s Volunteer Connect platform helps match those interested in serving affected communities with partner organizations in need of volunteers.
The American Red Cross is a leading disaster relief organization, and the North Florida Region, specifically the Capital Area Chapter, are the local branches covering Tallahassee and Leon County. After a disaster, the Red Cross suggests community members make financial donations to existing disaster recovery efforts or donate blood to ensure the supply remains stable for those who need it. Learn more on the American Red Cross North Florida Region website.
Because the focus after any disaster is to deploy trained volunteers and first responders to affected areas, one way to make a difference in the long term is to become a trained volunteer. The Disaster Action Team is among the highest-priority volunteer needs for the American Red Cross. Learn more about those roles and how you can prepare to respond to the next disaster that arises, or submit your application, on the volunteer website.
The Center for Leadership & Service will remain in contact with our campus and community partners. As more information becomes available, we will provide updates on volunteer and resource needs as requested by our partner organizations.
Volunteer Leon also serves as a hub of information for local opportunities with disaster-response organizations across the Big Bend. Individuals interested in recovery efforts can visit the organization’s Disaster Volunteer Information site to learn more or register their interest in disaster-related volunteer or donation opportunities.
Reminders from Volunteer Florida
After a disaster, the focus is on sending trained volunteers and those affiliated with organizations to assist with immediate needs. For those interested in helping, Volunteer Florida has some points to keep in mind:
- Do not self-deploy for relief efforts: “For your safety and to support trained emergency response teams, please confirm with a disaster relief organization the need for volunteers and approval for your participation.”
- Although many people are eager to help right away, it is important to remember that recovery can be a lengthy process: “recovery work continues for weeks, months and even years after disaster events occur. Organizations may have a significant need for volunteers in the weeks and months ahead.”
- As their partner organizations assess needs and evaluate resources, they will begin to organize volunteer opportunities for unaffiliated volunteers (individuals who are not already connected to an organization). These organizations will have their own processes for accepting volunteers.
- Do your homework about relief efforts and avoid creating additional burdens in the recovery area:
- Be sure to confirm that donations of items are actually needed. Financial gifts actually make the greatest impact for meeting specific needs while eliminating the burden of sorting, storing, or transporting materials.
- Be sure to have a clear understanding of volunteer assignments, safety measures and points of contact. Know when and where your skills or help will be needed and how your basic needs will be met while you are there.
