Original Article: https://blog.theanimalrescuesite.greatergood.com/disaster-relief-pledge/
On September 28, Hurricane Ian tore up the western coast of Florida as a Category 4 storm. With destructive winds of up to 155 miles per hour and torrential rain, it caused life threatening storm surges and massive amounts of flooding, reported the National Environment Satellite Data and Information Service.
The death toll for Florida is now reported to be over 100 people, ABC News reports.
Natural disasters can leave communities in ruins for months, or even years.
There are currently 42,000 workers responding to over 840,000 reported power outages, and these workers have already restored power to 1.8 million homes across the state, reports Red Cross Northland. Those without power, and those dealing with severe water damage need our help today, and we are responding to these requests as they continue to pour in.
In the aftermath of a natural disaster or violent weather event, entire communities can be displaced or destroyed. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, whether from hurricanes in coastal states, violent tornados tearing through the inland U.S., or forest fires or earthquakes that are more prevalent out west, there is usually an urgent need for humanitarian support following a natural disaster.
Emergency responders are often stretched thin during the most serious natural disasters.
When the weather subsides, and the damage is done, reality sets it for those who have suffered through it. Survivors and those impacted first hand by these disasters need help. From simple donations such as food and water, to medical and psychological care, and more, we can help rebuild and help others get back to their normal lives in the wake of adversity.
If you want to help your community in the aftermath of a natural disaster, here are some things you can do:
5. Send Funds or Crucial Supplies
Donations to service organizations are always helpful during a disaster.
According to Reader’s Digest, usually the most effective way to help victims of a natural disaster or emergency is to donate to a disaster relief organization. With proper planning and such these organizations can then use the financial stimulus to help their efforts immediately and long term over the coming months and years of rebuilding. If you donate goods be sure that they are needed or part of a list of donatable items. Storing and sorting unnecessary or an overabundance of goods can be very costly and time consuming for relief efforts.
4. Volunteer to Help
Local nonprofits need all the help they can get in these situations and any assistance you can provide can go a long way in the rebuilding process.
There are many ways you can help volunteer for disaster relief and doing something that you are efficient in is the best way to help your community. For direct help in the most affected areas look into American Red Cross Disaster Training. For other ideas, think about helping communities in ways that deal with shelter, nutrition, and emotional support. Local nonprofits need all the help they can get in these situations and any assistance you can provide can go a long way in the rebuilding process.
3. Donate Blood
If you’re eligible and able, giving blood is one of the best ways to help save lives following a disaster,
If you’re eligible and able, giving blood is one of the best ways to help save lives following a disaster, reports Cedars Sinai. Hospitals have historically shown an increased demand for blood after disasters and due to the short shelf life, they can’t just stock up months ahead of time to alleviate the future demand. Contact the American Red Cross or local relief efforts to see if and where you can donate.
2. Foster or adopt an animal
Adopting a shelter pet helps save two lives.
According to Petfinder, Helping foster an animal or adopting one into your home helps save two lives — the animal you are rescuing and another that the shelter now has room to care for.
Make sure to notify your local adoption group that you can foster a pet — either one waiting for a home or one whose family has had to temporarily relocate.
1. Support Flights to Freedom
Greater Good Charities Flights to Freedom are making an impact when disaster strikes.
Greater Good Charities is already sending pet food, supplies, humanitarian aid, and planning emergency Flights to Freedom to move pets that were in shelters before the storm to make room for large numbers of incoming displaced pets.
You can help pets and people reeling from catastrophic disasters. We are fielding an influx in requests from those affected and we are rushing aid. Every little bit helps right now, and your gift is 100% tax deductible. Donate today. Your donation will support Greater Good Charities’ disaster relief efforts and help provide relief to those affected by this storm.
When disaster strikes, it’s important to understand what you can and should do, and to share that information with your friends and loved ones online and off. You can help pets and people reeling from catastrophic disaster by taking the Disaster Relief Pledge!
Click below to make a difference.
Source: The Animal Rescue Site Blog
