Over the weekend, Hurricane Helene hit the southeastcausing widespread devastation in areas of the country that were not accustomed to such disasters. the storm Destroyed homes, businesses and roadsleft millions without power and cell service, and people stranded in Western North Carolina amid several feet of flood water. More than 130 deaths Cases have been reported in six states, including Florida, Tennessee, Georgia and North Carolina.
The supplies are being transported by plane in affected areas of North Carolina and the National Guard has been deployed to assist in rescue efforts. As help continues, many people across the country are looking to offer their support.
Below are some ways you can help the growing relief efforts and what to avoid so as not to hinder emergency and rescue teams on the ground in these crucial first days.
What can you do right now?
Immediately after the storm, do not send donations or supplies that have not been specifically requested by state and local organizations, according to the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency. In a statement aboutTEMA said it will not accept volunteers or donations “until the human security mission is completed.”
While well-intentioned, donating supplies can “further burden a community already in crisis.” according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency. If you live in the areas affected by Helene, please contact established local or national charities to ensure you are donating exactly what is needed and in the quantities needed (usually in bulk). Used clothing is never necessary, according to FEMA.
The best way to offer your support after a disaster is donate moneyaccording to FEMA. “Organizations on the ground know what items and quantities are needed, often buy in bulk at discounts and, if possible, buy through local businesses at the disaster site, which supports economic recovery,” says the agency website.
Here are some organizations where you can donate funds:
To avoid charity scams, research the organizations you plan to donate to and avoid donating to those that have obvious red flags such as rushing you to make a donation or asking you to donate via a gift card or sending money. donate.org and Charity Navigator provide reliability ratings for many charitable groups.
What you can do in the coming weeks and months
Don’t go to a disaster area to volunteer. Until a disaster area has been declared safe to enter and volunteer needs are identified, stay home and donate. Volunteers should only come once they have been assigned a task with an established organization that has requested help.
