June 04th, 2013

We have decided not to respond to set up a NSS volunteer camp in OK at this time, though we are not ruling out the possibility of some type of response. We have made connections with a church on the ground that will house volunteers but they are not coordinating work. There will be volunteer opportunities for several months to come for clean-up and numerous agencies have set up. Others are waiting on the dust to clear, for more in-depth assessments by emergency management agencies and the local V.O.A.D. (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters) to see what the long term needs will be. I just spoke to a F.E.M.A. V.A.L. (Volunteer Agency Liason) in Moore and they are strongly asking that donations of goods be put on hold as the area has been inundated with material donations. She happened to be at the church talking to the Pastor when I called, and they are trying to find warehousing to get all the donations in one area. The churches in the area are using their space for warehousing and this would relieve them of that so they could have their facilities back. I asked her about the percent of the insured and she stated that it is a "heavily insured disaster". They are saying "between 80-85% are insured because they've been hit before and people know they better be insured." She also stated that they "have more diapers than they have babies". Just threw that in there because as I've stated before, we've got to get better at this long term recovery thing. We're good on the front end of a disaster, to the point of waste, but then the survivors without a home are soon left to fend for themselves!

NSS has received calls from some individuals interested in giving to the relief effort. It is my recommendation that you wait and see what the long term needs are. We often get caught up in the moment and then soon forget the disaster and survivors. Whatever you wish to give, set it aside as designated funds for OK at a later time. Then commit to giving it for long term needs and DON'T FORGET THEM when the next storm hits somewhere else. Remember, we're packing up here in Birmingham because of this very thing, the same reason we left Gulfport and New Orleans.

Please let us know if you or your team would like to respond to OK. This would help us determine our involvement there. 

From the Moore City Website:
"The State of Oklahoma, FEMA and VOADs (Volunteer Organization Active in Disaster) are putting a system in place to better manage the goods and material donations that are coming in from all over the country. Your generosity and thoughtfulness have helped Central Oklahoma region  and other areas through these challenging days and will continue to help as we begin to rebuild our homes, businesses and community.

At this time, we are asking donors to hold donations until we have a long-term system in place to get each item to the people that need it most. We also urge you to think about long-term needs for those who have lost their homes and businesses as you decide on ways you are able to contribute. There will still be a need in the coming weeks and months for donations. Additionally, we are working to compile a list of what those long-term needs may be."

 The OK VOAD says "Thank you to all who have given sacrificially to the relief efforts of recent tornados in Oklahoma. Your generosity has been deeply appreciated and needed. At this time we are encouraging all organizations and individuals to withhold unsolicited product donations to the affected areas. Please consider giving financially to your charity of choice involved in the recovery efforts. Thanks again for your continued support!”

I am including some links for your convenience if you're interested in more information.

There were reports of 12,000 homes being damaged or destroyed. Not true according to FEMA...Tornado rumor control (1200 homes)

FEMA Individual Assistance Synopsis
 
Make sure your Donation Counts