Here’s how Kentucky residents can help victims of Hurricane Helene
Communities across the South are continuing to dig out from the devastation of Hurricane Helene.
On Monday morning, the death toll had risen to more than 90 and power was still out to more than 1.5 million customers in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina.
Western North Carolina was hit particularly hard by flooding.
Here’s what you can do to help:
Donate money
The quickest, most efficient way to help hurricane victims is to donate money through a recognized disaster-relief organization, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
That’s because the organizations on the ground in a disaster know what supplies are needed most, and cash donations create flexibility to deal with the needs, FEMA says.
The agency has a link to a list of recognized organizations.
People can also volunteer to help through that organization, called the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster.
FEMA advises people not to “self-deploy” to a disaster area.
Other donations
There is a need for other types of donations in a disaster as well, but check for what is needed first, FEMA advises.
For instance, bulk donations, such as a pallet of water or food, are best.
Well-meaning people often want to donate clothing, but FEMA advises against donating used clothing. Without proper coordination, piles of donated good can become a burden rather than a help.
People can email FEMA from this page to figure out what donations are needed.
Disaster organizations
The American Red Cross is perhaps the best-known national disaster-relief group and has mounted a relief effort in the wake of Hurricane Helene. The organization has a page with information on donating to help victims.
The United Way, the Salvation Army and Kentucky Baptist Disaster Relief also have responded to help victims of the hurricane and accept donations to help with that work.
Helping pets
If you want to do something specific to helping pets, the Humane Society of the United States says it has rescuers on the ground and has sought donations to help with the work.
This story was originally published September 30, 2024 at 9:29 AM.
