When 'It' Happens, Everyone Wants to Help

By Pamela Simonson



The minute a disaster occurs, the world is alerted in a matter of seconds by the media, e-mails and tweets. A natural response is to offer immediate help. However, by rushing to help, an individual may be putting himself and others at risk. After disaster strikes, it is critical to "act" rather than "react."

Following a disaster, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the American Red Cross (ARC) recommend that the first steps to take are to check on those closest to you - family, colleagues, friends and neighbors - that all are "safe and well," and turn to your radio or television for instructions from the Emergency Broadcast System or other trusted sources.

Do not self-deploy outside your immediate area without directives. For people who see a situation worsening before them, it can be frustrating not to rush to the scene, but staying in place and waiting for instructions may be the best action for the overall response.

Trained first responders are responsible for the protection and preservation of life, property and evidence. Arriving at a disaster scene unannounced without a specific purpose or invitation could overwhelm an already compromised situation, increasing liabilities for not only responders, but also survivors, the wounded and all others at the scene. Providing direction and supervision to untrained volunteers by the trained forces can take time away from meeting survivors' immediate needs.

Most established response organizations are reluctant to allow spontaneous, inexperienced volunteers to assist with disaster response and recovery operations, as safety for all present is a primary responsibility.

Recognized disaster relief organizations have clearly defined goals and objectives in times of disaster. Affiliated volunteers train and prepare both physically and psychologically for the services they will provide and the potential situations they may encounter. Those with training and experience are more aware of the incidents' risks and appropriate scope of their activities. Experienced volunteers will be called upon first to serve.

So how can you complement relief efforts by acting? Connect with your local volunteer center. Volunteer centers regularly recruit and refer individuals, groups and businesses to governmental and nonprofit agencies that utilize volunteers.

Identify and affiliate with local response and recovery agencies that interest you and could gain from your skills. Obtain training that could be of benefit to you, your family or associations in times of disaster. Through personal preparedness and being part of a response agency, you can enhance your ability to respond and act effectively.

If you are unable to make a commitment to volunteering at this time, know that, following an incident, relief agencies will look to volunteer centers to recruit additional volunteers to supplement and support their volunteer teams. Agencies may require extra help to answer phones, provide information, direct traffic, pack or distribute supplies to reinforce direct relief efforts.

Disasters, by their very nature, are immediate. Real time media coverage can be motivating. Yet assessing damage and needed services requires time, coordination and experience to be effective and ensure safety. Take advantage of the "calm before the storm" to learn how you can act rather than react. Visit www.1800volunteer.org to locate your local volunteer center.



Pamela Simonson is disaster volunteer coordinator for The Volunteer Center Serving Howard County (www.volunteerhoward.org). She can be reached at 410-715-3172 or e-mail info@volunteerhoward.org.