INDIANAPOLIS — Hurricane Helene killed hundreds of people and wiped communities off of the map. Hurricane Milton is expected to hit western Florida with devastating results. It's natural to want to help. 13News found how you can make the biggest impact.
Don't make things worse
The first thing to do is to not add to the problem. That means not rushing off to disaster locations.
"It is CRUCIAL to avoid showing up unannounced to disaster areas," the Indiana Department of Homeland Security said.
"To volunteer, register with an organization that was recruited to help," the USA.gov website says. " Do not go on your own. Wait until the organization tells you if it wants to deploy you to the disaster area."
Another way to help is to avoid sharing misinformation.
Disasters are confusing and chaotic, and it can be hard to know what's real and what isn't in the moment. That's why it's important to double check before sharing.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) operates a website where you can fact-check what you are hearing. You can find any federal disaster in their database.
Give your time and money
FEMA says the best way to help after a disaster is to give cash to relief organizations.
"Organizations on the ground know what items and quantities are needed, often buy in bulk with discounts and, if possible, purchase through businesses local to the disaster, which supports economic recovery."
If you are going to give items after a disaster, find out what relief organizations are asking for. Per the FEMA website:
- Not everything is needed. Used clothing is never needed.
- Bulk donations are best. Pallet loads of a single item, sorted and boxed.
- Timing is important. Too soon or too late and no one wins.
- Transportation needs to be worked. How will it get to where it is needed?
If you want to volunteer your time and go to a disaster zone, you can find an organization on the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster website.
That's where you will find trusted organizations that know what they are doing and make a positive impact after a disaster.
You can find a list of Florida organizations who help with disasters here.
