RVers and disaster relief -- experiences & recommendations?

[cwdavis]

We've been full-timing for a year & a half and have had a ball. Haven't 'strayed' too far from our home in the SE, but are really enjoying taking the time to see the local sites where we happen to be, discovering what nature & local history have to offer, etc.

With Harvey and Irma, though, and being mobile and still young/healthy enough to make a difference to those in need, we're looking to see how we might become involved in disaster relief.

We'd love to hear from folks involved in using their RV mobility to go into disaster areas, learning about both your good/bad experiences, the organizations you work through, and hearing any recommendations you might have for those of us interested in becoming involved ourselves.

Thanks in advance!

[xctraveler]

FMCA has at least one chapter devoted to Habitat for Humanity and there is another that is focused on disaster relief, can't find their name right off the bat.

[cwdavis]

Good responses, all -- thank you, folks!

[Merrykalia]

We have worked with the NC Baptist Men's group, but we have also worked with the NC Methodist Disaster Response group.

I will also re-iterate what several have said and that is to align yourself with a recognized group. You will NOT be allowed into any area that is currently under evacuation/disaster response. The recognized disaster groups have screened their response people and chance of looting/stealing is greatly diminished. (That's the way the world is now.)

Virginia Disaster Response holds trainings throughout the year and certifies people for different responses - mud out/clean out, feeding, chainsaw, child care, etc.

In the months/years to come, most of these organizations could definitely use your help. There are still many ongoing responses going in NC from Hurricane Matthew from last years flooding.

If you need some contact info for volunteering in the NC area, PM me.

[10forty2]

Since you're here in NC, check out the NC Baptist Men and Women's Disaster Relief organization. FANTASTIC, let me say that again, FANTASTIC organization run by some very dedicated people! I've been an Emergency Manager for local government for the past 25 years and have had the privilege of working with this group of fine people many times. They offer services to support the public as well as disaster and Public Safety Relief workers. They have chainsaw crews, muck out crews, rebuild crews, feeding crews that none can rival.....multiple modes of disaster relief that cannot be provided by any government agency. https://www.facebook.com/ncmissionsdisasterrelief/ The organization president is a fine individaul with great experience and compassion in providing the best possible service to the victims of disaster. If you are so inclined, make contact with them and see how you could possibly fit into their mission!

[guidry]

Also check out FEMA. They hire people to go into areas around the country.

[bobjogone]

Check out Habitat for Humanity they have RV groups

[Bill_Satellite]

Most important is to NOT go anywhere in a disaster zone without a reason to go. That means you need to have a specific place you know you are wanted and someone at that destination expecting you. You should associate yourself with some relief service before you go and know that you have the skills and time to do the job that's needed. We went to Katrina in 2005 but we were helping folks in that area re-establish communications selling and installing satellite internet systems throughout the area. There were NO CAMPGROUNDS available in most places so you may need to be fully contained with the ability to run your generator 24/7 to stay cool. The campgrounds fill up quickly with those who have lost their homes but own an RV as well as the true first responders and insurance agents who do this for a living.
I don't want to discourage you from any attempt to volunteer your services as that's a great thought and something I hop you are able to do. Just please don't go in blindly and get in the way.

[CWSWine]

Here is a link you can check out. I don't know nothing about them other than I got the link from e-mail.

http://www.rvdisastercorps.org/about-us/

[gbopp]

It was just on the news, the Salvation Army is looking for volunteers to work at the shelters.
That's one organization you can contact.

[cwdavis]

rgatijnet1 wrote:
I appreciate what you are suggesting but I would wait until things have stabilized in an area before I would go there. Right after a major storm you will not have power, many roads may be blocked, you will not have cell phone service, you will not be able to get fuel, banks and ATM may not be able to dispense cash, and food supplies will be scarce.
Once power is restored to most of the area and the stores and gas station are being supplied, then it may be a good time to come in to help, IF you can find a place to park your RV with full hook-ups.

Thanks for that. We agree. But, what you are suggesting is why going in with a good, experienced organization is likely important. Hopefully, the organization will have made arrangements with local campgrounds, or whatever, to provide places for RVers to stay while they are working in the local area.

[rgatijnet1]

I appreciate what you are suggesting but I would wait until things have stabilized in an area before I would go there. Right after a major storm you will not have power, many roads may be blocked, you will not have cell phone service, you will not be able to get fuel, banks and ATM may not be able to dispense cash, and food supplies will be scarce.
Once power is restored to most of the area and the stores and gas station are being supplied, then it may be a good time to come in to help, IF you can find a place to park your RV with full hook-ups.

[stickdog]

Well if your the religious type i'm sure there are many of all christian churches that have suffered damage and also their church run schools that could use your help. I say this because many of their members are dealing with their own needs in reconstructing their lives, homes damaged by the floods. Personally I would be more interested in reestablishing the places they worked to bring them back to economic stability. Just my take on it.