How to Help Those Affected by a Natural Disaster

Updated on July 24, 2020

As a healthcare professional, helping others will almost be second nature. For this reason, you might be eager to help others following a natural disaster, such as an earthquake, hurricane, or flood. 

If you feel an urge to provide support following an unfortunate event, you will be happy to learn that there are many ways to do so. Read on to find out how to help those affected by a natural disaster.

Become a Red Cross Champion

The Red Cross is widely respected for responding to hundreds of emergencies across the United States every day. For instance, they can provide help following a small house fire, or they will provide much-needed support for multi-state natural disasters. It is their mission to ensure that people from across the nation have access to safe shelter, clean water, and hot meals following an unfortunate event. 

You also can help to fund their efforts by committing to a monthly donation, which will result in you becoming a Red Cross champion. You can trust your financial support will help them to respond to an emergency every eight minutes.

Send Essential Supplies

Unfortunately, it is common for people’s clothing, furniture, and mattresses to be either destroyed or lost during a natural disaster. Plus, as stores might not reopen quickly, it can be hard to replace the items. Following a natural disaster, you could reach out to the affected area in order to identify the items people might need you to send, such as toiletries, clothes, food, water, generators, and more.

Save a Life by Giving Blood

Injuries sustained during a natural disaster could result in an increased need for blood donations. If you’re unsure how you can help, you could always give blood to help people to make a quick and full recovery. Again, donating to the Red Cross will ensure patients will receive the life-saving blood they need.

Every blood type will be required, so don’t hesitate to give blood to save a life. There is also often an urgent need for O negative blood and platelet donations. Also, if your healthcare organization has the capability, a city, town, or state could benefit from your company sending vital medical supplies.

Host a Fundraiser

If you only have a small amount to donate to an organization and would like to make a bigger difference, consider hosting a fundraiser. Choose to either host the event independently or collaborate with a church, school, or a business to raise essential funds for a relief and evacuation zone. Once you have raised the funds, you could donate the money to a registered charitable organization.

Conclusion

A natural disaster can be devastating for individuals, communities, animals, and entire states and countries. Earthquakes, hurricanes, fires, and floods could transform the lives of thousands of people, who will have an immediate need for medical aid, food supplies, clean water, and shelter. If you want to help those in need, consider the above top tips to support people following an event. Your small actions could make a big difference to others’ health and wellbeing.

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