How To Help in the Aftermath of Hurricane Helene

The Florida Division of Emergency Management is also reminding everyone to stay out of impacted areas as search and rescue missions continue in response to Hurricane Helene. Only those who are part of a designated organization or group with a mission assigned by the state should deploy to provide assistance. Self-deployed volunteers can inhibit first responders and rescue operations.

• Volunteer Florida has established resources for individuals and groups who would like to support Floridians affected by Hurricane Helene. Visit volunteerflorida.org to find a volunteer opportunity.
• For more information about the Florida Disaster Fund or Volunteer Florida, please call 850-414-7400 or email info@volunteerflorida.org.

A Message to Potential Volunteers:

Do Not Self- Deploy.

Coordinate through VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster)

 

From Florida VOAD: "Seeing images of disaster may compel you to head to the impacted area. Don’t underestimate the complexity of working in a disaster area. Until a need has been identified and the local community impacted has requested support, volunteers should not enter. Be sure to contact us before coming to the disaster area. Wait until it is safe to travel to volunteer sites and opportunities have been identified.

 

Once assigned a position, make sure you have been given an assignment and are wearing proper safety gear for the task. Be patient. Recovery lasts a lot longer than the media’s attention. There will be volunteer needs for many months, often years, after the disaster, especially when the community enters the long-term recovery period."

 

Join Baldwin County VOAD: https://baldwincountyal.gov/ema/voad

Additional volunteer resources:

• Samaritan's Purse hotline: 1-833-747-1234
  • Volunteers may be able to assist with removal of personal property and furniture, flood cleanup, sanitizing with shockwave treatment, chainsaw work, debris cleanup, and temporary roof tarping.
• Florida Baptists Disaster Relief Public Assistance: 904-253-0502 or text HELENE to 27123
  • Volunteers may be able to assist with chainsaw work, debris cleanup, temporary roof tarping and muck-outs.