Natural disasters can affect entire cities. Rebuilding can take time, but support will help survivors return to normalcy. You can positively impact someone’s life by following these ways to help people after a natural disaster.
Give Money to a Relief Organization
Monetary donations are among the best ways to support survivors after a disaster because they allow organizations to buy supplies in bulk. You can donate to an accredited relief organization working at the disaster site.
Some examples of accredited organizations are American Red Cross, Direct Relief, and Habitat for Humanity. Remember that local relief organizations also help natural disaster survivors, so connect with regional programs when possible.
Donate Essential Items
Disaster recovery requires support from many sources. Help those in need by donating essential items. The best items to donate after a natural disaster include toiletries, household goods, and new undergarments. These essentials help survivors restore their livelihood and support temporary housing facilities where natural disaster survivors seek refuge.
Ship Supplies to Evacuation Zones
Consider shipping much-needed supplies to evacuation zones that help first responders and volunteers restore communities and deal with relief efforts.
Items you can ship to evacuation zones include the following:
- Construction materials
- Medical supplies
- Generators
- Heavy equipment or machinery
- Battery-powered radios
Volunteer Your Time
Monetary and physical donations aren’t the only ways to support survivors. Volunteering your time is another way to help people after a natural disaster. Affected communities need people to clean waste, distribute resources to survivors, and cooperate with first responders. Relief organizations appreciate long-term volunteers for home rebuilding, depending on the severity of natural disasters.
Volunteering matters, especially in times of need. Whether you can commit one day or one month, your support can make a huge difference!
Give Blood
Blood donations are critical for helping survivors recover after a natural disaster. While the government can send medical supplies into recovery zones, they can’t supply this much-needed resource. Contact your local blood bank and schedule an appointment to help people in need.
