Travel is an enjoyable experience for many and broadens the mind to amazing experiences. However, it also exposes the reality of unfortunate natural disasters and the circumstances of those countries who have to prepare against crisis situations such as hurricanes. Whether you live in the US or are wanting to help another country, here are 7 essential ways to support hurricane relief.
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7 Top Methods for Supporting Hurricane Relief
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Each year, an average of 13 tropical storms whirl through the Caribbean, Atlantic, and the Gulf of Mexico during hurricane season, running from June 1 through November 30. In the last 10 years, meteorologists recorded 158 named storms in the Atlantic Ocean, about 10 more storms than the previous decade, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
While not all develop into hurricanes, those that do wreak havoc on many of our favorite tropical destinations, such as Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, and also on popular tourist spots such as Florida, North Carolina, and Louisiana.
Last year in September, the slow-moving category 5 Dorian stalled over the island of Grand Bahama for 18 hours. This happened less than 2 1/2 months after my awesome Paradise Island, The Bahamas adventure with my grandson.
While we want to support these beautiful destinations, we don’t always know how to do so. Read on for 7 ways to show your support during hurricane relief efforts.
Volunteer
Those organizations and charities working to help those affected by hurricanes will always be on the lookout for volunteers for hurricane relief jobs. Check-in with your local charities or the more significant organizations (such as Red Cross, Salvation Army, United Way, UNICEF, and others) to seek out volunteer opportunities, whether on the front lines or behind the scenes. There may also be other ways they require assistance, so making contact and extending a hand is the first step.
Give Blood
Hurricanes will significantly affect hospitals, too, and this can also result in a blood supply shortage. You can help by giving blood whenever possible. It’s a good idea to check the specific blood type local hospitals are running short of, to see whether you are a match, or whether you know anybody who is who can also donate and help.
Make a Cash Donation, Large or Small
Cash donations are the simplest ways to help, and this can be a large one-off donation, a small donation, or even a regular donation to hurricane relief organizations. No matter the size of your donation, every little bit helps, and it all goes towards the right relief causes to help those in need.
Donate to Your Local Food Bank
You can offer support by providing much-needed food to those banks working to support those people who have lost their homes or unable to provide food for themselves. Check your cupboards and shelves to see if you have any food to donate, and canned goods always work best due to their long shelf life.
Offer Your Home
Through online hosting websites like Airbnb, you can actually choose to host your home for free to those who have nowhere else to go. If people have lost their homes do the hurricane, a significant step to help would be to offer your home or a room in your home as a place to stay for vulnerable people.
Foster an Animal
A significant number of domestic pets will have been affected by the hurricane, too. Animal shelters will have a great need for foster carers for the animals they take in during the crisis, so you’d be helping greatly to offer your support for these organizations, too.
Be Present in the Community
If you are near or live in the community of a hurricane, be present and spend time with those being affected to see how you can significantly help. Simply being available after a disaster has struck can allow you to assist in big or small ways.