Tips for Volunteering for Emergencies or Disasters

DO NOT go to a disaster area unless specifically connected to and requested by a locally receiving organization. Communities struggling to respond and recover can be overwhelmed by an influx of unexpected, unrequested and/or unneeded volunteers or donations. Enhance response and recovery efforts by keeping the following in mind:

Financial Contributions are Preferred. Financial donations help to avoid the labor and expense of sorting, packing, transporting and distributing donated goods. Relief agencies can use cash to meet the identified needs of survivors more quickly while at the same time rebuilding the local economy. Learn more about donating to experienced disaster relief organizations at the website of the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD) at www.nvoad.org.

Confirm the need and the destination BEFORE collecting anything. Potential donors should be wary of anyone who claims that "everything is needed." Groups can be disappointed when the goods they've collected aren't appreciated. Communities affected by disaster often do not have the time or resources to dispose of unneeded donations. Get precise information and confirm the need and destination before collecting any donated good. Better yet, remember that financial donations are preferred. If you would like to collect items, consider donating those items to local non-profit or governmental agencies.

Volunteer Wisely. In communities struggling to respond to and recover from disasters, an influx of unexpected, unrequested, and unneeded volunteers can seriously complicate response and recovery efforts. BEFORE TRAVELING TO THE AREA TO HELP, learn whether volunteers are needed, if local volunteers are preferred (to minimize needs for additional food, water, and shelter in an already challenged area), and if they are seeking specific skills. You can also. . .

Respond by Volunteering Locally register through our 1-800-Volunteer.org website to learn about a variety of volunteer opportunities available right here in our community.