Tuesday, September 02 2008 @ 06:27 PM US/Eastern
Hurricane Season
With Hurricane Katrina now three years behind us we have learned many lessons through our work with the many evacuees that came through Southeastern North Carolina. Through this experience we have come to the conclusion that it is not in the best interest of the evacuees or our area for any individual or group to attempt to go down to an area affected by a hurricane and bring back to the Wilmington those individuals affected by a storm.
We are a vulnerable area ourselves. A storm could arrive here at any time, which would put those just affected by a recent storm in harms way for a second time. This is not in their best interest or yours. After consulting the local Red Cross officials, and through previous conversations with Emergency Management officials, it is best if individuals allow the officials involved to make the sheltering decisions.
There will be many ways that those interested in doing work related to a disaster can contribute their time and energies in the days, weeks and months following any disaster. Please check 1800volunteer.org, should there be a need for volunteers it will be noted there, in the time of a disaster this turns into Disaster.org for your convenience in registering to help an affected area. Until you see the request for help, it is our professional advice for you to not go to the affected area. Many times those that go early on without proper training and advance locations for their lodging, cause an additional burden on an already stressed infrastructure. Please do not hesitate to contact the Cape Fear Volunteer Center for ideas on how you can help, or the names of agencies you can partner with to assist whenever a disaster strikes. 910-392-8180.
We are a vulnerable area ourselves. A storm could arrive here at any time, which would put those just affected by a recent storm in harms way for a second time. This is not in their best interest or yours. After consulting the local Red Cross officials, and through previous conversations with Emergency Management officials, it is best if individuals allow the officials involved to make the sheltering decisions.
There will be many ways that those interested in doing work related to a disaster can contribute their time and energies in the days, weeks and months following any disaster. Please check 1800volunteer.org, should there be a need for volunteers it will be noted there, in the time of a disaster this turns into Disaster.org for your convenience in registering to help an affected area. Until you see the request for help, it is our professional advice for you to not go to the affected area. Many times those that go early on without proper training and advance locations for their lodging, cause an additional burden on an already stressed infrastructure. Please do not hesitate to contact the Cape Fear Volunteer Center for ideas on how you can help, or the names of agencies you can partner with to assist whenever a disaster strikes. 910-392-8180.