Living in a land of milk and honey

9/11's attacks, Katrina's havoc, Haiti and Japan's quakes, and Alabama and Joplin's twisters mustered us each to action.  We responded in different ways.  We prayed, we donated money, we gave blood, we sent supplies, we lobbied our congressman, we traveled to help, we offered shelter.  We really do want to make the world a better place.

But I believe we live in a world where no one needs to suffer from malnutrition and starvation or from the disease that unsanitary water inevitably brings.  I believe that there is enough food, work, jobs, and money to go around.  Many less privileged nations have already begun the difficult work to bring their economy up out of the depths, giving a better life and greater choices to millions of people living in desperate situations.

Functional Friday: 10 things you can do to help in an emergency

Like almost everything else on this blog, you'll find that many (but not all) of these suggestions require advanced planning and preparation. Without advanced training (possibly certification) and adequate supplies, none of us are in a good position to do meaningful hands-on work after a disaster. Don't get me wrong, every little bit helps. People affected by and responding to disasters appreciate every thought, prayer, gift and moment that you can give. But there's nothing like having the right resource and a qualified volunteer when and where they are needed most. Whether you're thinking of your own local emergencies or those receiving international recognition, a bit of preparation can do others much good and leave you feeling satisfied in providing comfort to those in need.

Here's my list of 10 things you can do to help after (or maybe before) a disaster.

Give Money - Assisting disaster victims and promoting recovery in devastated areas costs a lot of money.    Cash gifts are immediately available for workers to buy exactly what they need where it's needed.  Cash doesn't require transportation, and it can be transferred electronically and put to use instantly.  Cash also allows responders to immediately support the locally devastated economy (hiring local workers, buying local products, using local services). Although giving cash sounds like an as needed opportunity, I would also encourage you to create a planned giving budget.  At my house we use the Dave Ramsey financial system; each month we plan exactly how much we will give to charities and those in need.  Helping people every month allows us to become part of a greater community.

Give supplies. - When specific needs are known and transportation is not a hindrance, collecting and providing requested items can be a relevant opportunity to help.  Food, water, and requested items delivered locally can make a huge difference.  In Japan after the earthquake/tsunami/nuclear disaster many people did not have clothing or bedding to use in shelters.  They were cold!  Locally, many coats and blankets were donated immediately to provide relief. (However, the expense needed to purchase and ship coats and blankets from the US to Japan would generally be better offered as a cash gift, so that responders can consolidate orders and ship items directly.)

Volunteer - Here is the first opportunity that we have to provide direct hands-on help to those affected by disasters.  There are many organizations that provide a chance to train and respond to those in need.  Most importantly, only respond if you are part of a team, specifically requested, highly qualified, and very capable.  Disaster zones are ever changing and dangerous areas.  Sadly, many extra volunteers are unnecessarily injured while helping and become part of the crisis.

Give services. - If you have a unique and applicable skill, or career, here's your chance to meet needs with a little advanced planning.  Attorneys, contractors, counselors, medical professionals, pilots, business owners and many others can use their abilities to help in the recovery process.  An important key to success is to establish relationships before disaster strikes.  Establishing affiliations with national professional and disaster response organizations will allow you go to work as soon as you are needed.  If this interests you, try contacting organizations you may already belong to or contacts a national relief organization like: Red Cross, SBC Disaster Response, Salvation Army, or NVOADs.

Help later. Much later. - Encouraged by media coverage, victims are in our thoughts immediately after disaster.  However as pages turn on the calendar, we are all distracted by our daily lives and more recent disasters.  Yet the recovery period after even small disasters is at least a year or more before communities are functioning independent of outside assistance.  Assisting disaster victims weeks or months after a disaster strikes can meet real needs in affected communities.  Contact local relief organizations or government agencies to see what you can do to help.

Stay away! - Unless you are trained and requested, individuals and groups should steer clear of disaster impacted areas until their presence and assistance is officially requested.  Emergencies are full of confusion and chaos.  To keep everyone safe, disaster response must be orderly and coordinated.  People offering assistance must report to an Incident Command Center or Volunteer Recruitment Center before going out to help. You may also be using up sparse resources (like food, water, and shelter) that are needed for responders and victims.

Prepare to NOT be a victim. - When resources are scarce and shelters are full, each person who does not require assistance is helping someone that has unmet needs.  Preparing your home with food, water, alternative power and cooking solutions, and supplies may allow you to safely stay where you are and even share with others. Plan to check on your neighbors (going door to door if the power and phones are out).  Neighbors with young children, elderly persons, medical needs, and disaster workers in the family (police, fire, medical) may need extra help during this time.


Take food and snacks to the police station and fire house. - Our first responders work tirelessly! (Although I think they actually get quite tired.) And during an emergency food and water are often prioritized after saving lives and reporting in.  Packaged (perhaps shelf stable) food can be a blessing you'll never know.  Individually packaged products like beef jerky, cookies, juice boxes, and pudding cups are items they could take with them on the way out the door.  A bowl of whole fruit (apples, oranges, bananas) would be welcome.  If you want to take fresh food (hot food or things that must be kept cool), it's advisable to call ahead if you can. 

Teach others. - Community education concerning disasters helps everyone stay on the same page.  Children and adults need to learn (or be reminded) what to do before, during and after emergencies.  Most American households don't have any emergency provisions set aside. Many communities have CERT programs that teach everyday citizens how to save local victims immediately after disaster strikes.  Host a speaker in your community, church, workplace, or organization.

Host a barbecue (or other fun party) this summer. - Invite your immediate neighbors (even if you live in an apartment) over to get to know them.  You don't even have to tell them why you are doing this, but you might look like a hero if you talk about it.  Use everyday conversation to discover details that you'll need to know in an emergency.  Find out their names, how many people live there, any special needs they might have (infants, medical needs, elderly, etc.), if they have pets, where they work, special skills (medical) or their cell number and emergency contact. Get to know them, so that in a emergency you'll know their needs and they'll know yours. Map Your Neighborhood is a qualified program you can use to establish this plan with your neighbors. (I don't like the name. It's not about mapping, it's about connecting. Take a look at it.) If you get very specific, I'd advise telling them why you want to know.  Otherwise you might be pegged as a creepy neighbor.

Functional Friday: 10 Things to Take With You When You Volunteer

Oops!  I realize that this list has 13 things (and one of those is even what not to do), but when I finished writing, I couldn't decide which to leave out.  My volunteer experience this week involved a lot of hard work, sweat, people skills, and some on the job training.  I'll admit that I may not be the typical volunteer, but I had a fabulous time!  But even if learning new things, meeting new people, and trying new experiences aren't your thing, you still may be an important piece to someone's puzzle, and I urge you to find a place to serve your community through volunteering.  I have included some tips and some suggestions that may help you get started.  To find the right place and the right job, start by calling local places that interest you, a local church or volunteer agency (like the United Way) to see what might be available.  Try some things out, and don't stop until you have found your passion.  Whether you enjoy each task or not, rest assured you are helping people who may not be able to help themselves... yet!  And don't forget these things:

• Identification - Many volunteer groups and locations need to confirm your identity for the safety of their clients. Hospitals volunteers often work around patients and sensitive equipment, so the staff need assurances that you are the person they interviewed, 'hired', and authorized to be there.  Some positions, like those where you enter people's homes (such as volunteer firefighter or CERT responder), may require you to be badged as well.

• Jacket - Even on the warmest of days, you should take a jacket. Over-zealous air conditioning or blustery breezes could leave you chilly. While manning a booth at a community event on a warm 80 degree day, you will often feel quite cool by sundown.

• Camera - Even with just your phone's camera, take a picture of you and a co-worker doing what you do. And make sure and get that photo in an email or on Facebook. You just may encourage a friend to get involved in their community, too. Be certain to follow photography rules, especially to protect the identity or location of clients, children, and safe house locations.

• Hat, Sunglasses, and sunscreen - You'll want to protect yourself from sun and the elements, particularly if you know you'll be outside, like picking up trash in a local park. And you might include an umbrella, bug repellent, and a poncho.

• Cash - Whether you need a snack from the vending machine or you decided to grab a cup of coffee, having a few dollars in cash will come in handy. You may find yourself buying bottled water or a bag of ice for summer ball team.

• Candy and/or snacks (maybe even lunch) - Perhaps even to share, your favorite snack can provide a pick me up as you offer your time and assistance. Volunteering, although worthwhile, can be stressful and draining. Your task may be physically demanding if you are cleaning up after a storm or packing food boxes at a pantry. Make sure you observe rules for eating and sharing, especially around clients of an organization.

• Lip balm, lotion, and hand sanitizer - Volunteer work may involve substantial personal contact and a lot of hand washing, especially if you're working in a kitchen. Protecting your skin (and staying hydrated) will keep you healthy, which may help you volunteer more.

• Water - Stay hydrated! It keeps your mind sharp and your body healthy. Outside of a normal routine, volunteers often forget to drink enough water. Drinking a pint bottle (500 ml, 1/2 liter) every two hours is particularly critical when working I. The heat or if you're sweating. You'll need even more water if you're sweating in heat above 90 degrees, like you might experience directing traffic for a Fourth of July community celebration.

• First Aid Kit -Scrapes and cuts can happen anywhere. Consider beefing up your kit if you'll be isolated, such as while leading a Scout troop into the wilderness. Consider adding instant cold packs, saline rinse, larger bandages and tape (think badly skinned knees) and a variety of ointments and creams (burn, anti-itch, sting, etc.) to stretch the usefulness of your current kit. Always get expert advise and training before taking on the responsibility of leading children or offering medical care and first aid.

• Pictures - Having a few pictures of yourself or your family might help break the ice with other volunteers or clients as you volunteer. Older residents of a nursing home often love to hear about your family and to talk about their own. Avoid photos that may depict affluence (This is our yacht off the coast of Monaco.) or photos that strongly depict your residence or workplace. (Use interior shots or those without addresses or landmarks.)

• A pen - Sure, it sounds simple, but a pen from my purse has allowed many people to 'sign in to win' at a festival or to complete an application after someone took the pen on the table.

• Conservative Jewelry - OK, this is really more what not to wear. Dangling earrings and pricey jewels can be a physical hazard or a theft temptation. They may also leave some clients, like those in a shelter, feeling regret for their current situation if they aren't able to afford those items. If this may be a concern, ask the volunteer coordinator for guidance before you arrive.

• Willingness and a smile - You'll find your volunteer experience much more enjoyable if you arrive with an open heart and motivation to do whatever is needed. Be certain to remember and apply any training you receive. And while you should be willing to accept tasks outside your comfort zone (like playing games in a group home for children with autism), never attempt tasks that are outside your technical skill or safety training (like performing medical procedures or operating equipment without certification.)

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