Content sourced from Dirty Civilian's "How to Volunteer in a Disaster Zone and Not be Part of the Problem"
Link: youtube.com/watch?v=YNU7cqR4ZeQ
---------------------------------------------
The disaster hits. There are people with limited resources right off the bat. The rescue operation begins by the professionals to save people.
Then it's the relief effort, volunteers come in to help with cutting trees, making flights, supply runs, helping out with what needs to get done. There is a massive surge of the population in the operation area that needs supplies. If you show up during the relief without being prepared you will be a burden.
Then we get to the reconstruction process. This is where most of our minds are at when we want to help out in general, we have a place to stay, we have a dedicated task, there's enough resources to keep you there, etc.
Spare clothes for our team, water, MRE's (food supplies), wipes. Use tools like chainsaws to cut down debris. If you don't know how to use something, youtube it. Have sleep logistics squared away. Have security logistics squared away too, keep your EDC. Have communication devices. Don't get too complicated.
High demand items are generators. Internet helps too (Starlink). If you have drones, that could be super useful for recon for updating maps on disaster reach.
Think about supply chain issues. Check for status of your family and whether you can risk yourself out there.
You need intel. Info comes through social media a lot. But they get their info from other FB groups. OSINT, HUMINT. Log this information to share with your team.
Use google maps or google earth or some other map interaction software to print and laminate or share with your teams. Get radio frequencies for weather or news. Have evac locations planned.
Have transportation squared away, know how to drive or be with people who can.
What is outside the disaster zone for resupply purposes. Maybe go two hours out, because the immediate localities surrounding it may be out of stock.
Unload your equipment, link up, get to work. Find places to be valuable. What immediate operations are happening? What is needed?
Dont be a hero. This isn't about you. Do what is needed to help people. One person can bring everyone else down. Have high morale.