Question regarding emergency care (Hurricane disaster relief)

[Dover]

I would really appreciate any expert information on what we, in states surrounding Louisianna, might do to prepare to help?

I personally have no medical skills, and certainly don't want to get in the way of organized efforts and become part of the problem rather than the solution, but any advice would be appreciated (besides the gift of money, which is a given).

[Horse with no Name]

1. My ex is the manager of a radio station

I just asked him if he would write a press release for donations of bottled water and money--he would need to contact the Red Cross.
However...they are going to need manpower. I daresay that in the worst case scenario(which is what they are expecting)...you aren't going to need alot of medical personnel.:cry:

[madeline_con]

2. Check out Red Cross and other orgs...

they will need every volunteer they can get, to go in and pass out MRE's water, ice, everything. You will NOT be in the way!

[HereSince1628]

3. The agencies will need money and volunteers

you can send money now to the Red Cross.

I think we'd better wait to figure out where the refugees are going to be before we think about rushing anywhere. And I really think it's important to wait for a call.

Every volunteer comes with a needs for transportation (gas, parking etc.), water, sanitation, and possibly shelter. Each of these is likely to be strained in the disaster area.

[Midlodemocrat]

4. I agree. If the hurricane does track a little bit to the east,

NO might be spared the full brunt of it. In that case, our friends in MS and AL would need more help.

I think IIRC, the Red Cross usually puts out a call for donations rather than supplies.

[Dover]

5. Red Cross Volunteer link >>

http://redcross.volunteermatch.org/

I just called and got a recording at my local chapter. Besides money they do have specific needs to be filled by volunteers. Some of those are at the scene of the disaster and some are not (such as data entry).

It seems that those who will actually go to the scene need to be in good health and should have taken a class that the Red Cross gives in how to provide onsite relief assistance.