Take caution when sending aid to storm victims

WABASH VALLEY, Ind. (WTHI) - As with disasters that have happened in the past, the American people are generous when it comes to donating to their neighbors in needs.

With the destruction left in Super Storm Sandy’s wake, the want to donate is just as strong as when the tornados ripped through the Midwest earlier this year.

However generous you may be, you want to also take caution as to how and what you donate, because it could be doing more harm than good.

If you want to help, you, for your safety and for the reliant person on the receiving end of your care package, must go through channels through the State of Indiana.

Indiana is a member of the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC). It is best to wait until specific people with skills are called for.

When help comes in from the outside, in situations like this, the responder’s needs of food, water, shelter, etc. have to be met. Right now, the areas hit may not have the ability to meet the responder’s needs and the problem would be compounded.

As for what you send, you could be sending what is not needed and the items donated could go to waste. Sending a cash donation, at this point, to national established charities is best.

Also, sending trucks with supplies independently outside the coordinated relief effort, trying to get to affected areas, will only get in the way and tie up emergency service vehicles. If the vehicles aren’t a part of the coordinated relief effort, self-deployed trucks or people could be turned back.