Volunteer Opportunities That You Can Do During A Natural Disaster

25 March 2020

It can be devastating to turn on the news and see that a tornado, hurricane, flood, or earthquake recently struck one of our states. With that, it can be that much more difficult to feel completely helpless during these times. With so many natural disasters and crises going on in the world, one of the best things that you can do to feel like you're making an impact is to volunteer, but how? 

Become a Disaster Recovery Volunteer

One of the best things you can do (if you are physically able) is to become a disaster recovery volunteer. Depending on the agency that you work for, your tasks could include any of the following:

• Helping with food: Handing out food to families who have been affected by natural disasters as well as organizing food supplies as they come into the donation center. 
• Helping with shelter: This could include a variety of different things including checking individuals and families into shelters, helping oversee shelters that are being organized, and helping people get things like blankets and cots once they are at the shelter. 
• Helping with comfort: Sometimes in the face of a crisis people just need to be soothed and comforted. As a volunteer, doing something like calming someone down and offering them a glass of water can go a long way when they are facing devastation. 

Work at a Disaster Hotline:

If you would rather do something that's less hands-on, but you still want to volunteer, then consider volunteering at a disaster hotline. These hotlines are typically set up locally (so you may still have to fly to the location) and you will just answer phone calls putting people in touch with the right services. For instance, some people want to know about basic things like how to get good drinking water, food, medical care, and shelter. These volunteer hotlines will typically provide you with all of this information so that you can help anybody out who is in need. 

Donate Money: 

If you are unable to fly out to a disaster area for whatever reason, you can always donate money to volunteer organizations to help give them some financial relief. Whether you have $5 or $500 to donate, anything can help in a time of need and crisis. 

To learn more about becoming disaster volunteers to help with any natural disasters in your area, reach out to a volunteering company near you.