Hurricane Season: How You Can Help
Posted on September 8, 2017 by Advance Companies
With all of the recent storm and hurricane damage going around the world, it can be pretty devastating to turn on the news and see all of the destruction and pain they are causing. If you live anywhere in central or northern United States, these storms are probably not affecting you personally as much, but that doesn’t mean you can’t help or support the people that are being affected.
At Advance Companies we offer restoration services for anyone who has experienced damage to their home and property from natural disasters. We are regretful that we can’t offer these services to those victims of hurricane Harvey and upcoming hurricanes Irma and Jose. Since we can’t be there to help, we want to offer a comprehensive list of ways that you can either donate, or support those being affected by these summer storms. It can be hard to tell if a charity is legitimate or not, and we don’t want you to donate money and have it not actually help anyone, so we did the research and each of these charities donate 80% or more of their donations to helping victims of Hurricane Harvey and other disasters.
How Can I Help By Donating?
The most obvious answer to a crisis like this is to donate money. This can be very beneficial to people that are suffering from water and other damages. We have done the research and found the best online places you can donate to and listed them here:
- YouCaring – This is the official page for victims of hurricane Harvey. Donate a little or a lot, everything helps.
- Humane Society – Obviously the Humane Society helps animals year round, but this specific page lets you donate to the animals in need of help from Hurricane Harvey.
- American Red Cross – You can either donate money or donate blood, but either way you will be helping greatly to this cause!
- Houston Food Bank – This site offers a variety of ways for you to donate. Check out ways that you can get involved!
- GoFundMe – Here you can donate to a specific cause, family, or just to hurricane relief in general.
- Star of Hope Mission – Donate to the homeless families affected by Hurricane Harvey.
- Save the Children Fund – Help children who have either lost their families or are in need of your help in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey.
Each of these charities donates upwards of 80% of its donations to Hurricane Harvey relief. We want to help you help those in need during this critical time. However, we also understand that not everyone is able to help with monetary donations. If you still want to help but can’t afford it, we have some ideas that don’t cost money.
How Can I Help In Other Ways?
Donating money might be everyone’s go to, but the people down in Texas need help in other ways too. Though NPR found that money is needed most right now, the needs of hurricane victims change over time, and you can help by donating other things later. Hurricane relief and restoration isn’t going to come over the course of a few weeks or even months. As victims try to piece their lives back together over the next few years, keep them in mind and donate things as they are needed.
There are probably plenty of things in your home that can help you accomplish this? If you can’t afford to donate money, go through your house and look for surplus items like baby diapers and formula, canned food and non-perishables, and any extra blankets or clothing. Keep them around and do not donate them until charities are accepting them. Currently these items have nowhere to be stored or sorted, and can be more of a hindrance than a help.Periodically check in with your chosen charity and see what they are asking for. So have a look around your home and keep things safe until needed.
What About Other Natural Disasters?
Sadly, more disasters are on their way. Currently Hurricane Irma is clocking in at a category five hurricane, and people in Florida can use your help. Florida International Volunteer Corp is preparing right now for the impending disaster and offers additional charities who are accepting donations. Check in with them to find out ways you can help.
It’s not just America that is suffering right now. There are plenty of other countries that are in need of our help too. For more information on what is going on around the world, check out The Guardian. They post daily updates of what’s going on around the world. We understand that you can’t donate to every charity and every cause, but it’s important to be informed of what’s going on in the world, and extend our focus to other countries.
In times like this, it is important to stand together and help where is needed, and where we are able. We hope this information helps you make an educated decision on where and when to donate to charity organizations and relief programs. For any local flood or fire damage, we want to help, so give us a call at (763) 572-2000.
Categories: Emergency Services • Tips • Water Damage
