10/01/2024
More on Helene.
While the Red Cross no longer has their Safe And Well program, they can help contact family. See https://www.redcross.org/get-help/disaster-relief-and-recovery-services/contact-and-locate-loved-ones/hurricane-helene-reunification.html .
Disasters like the current one in the East and South East United States are horrible. Unfortunately they are made worse by well meaning people who share bad information, by well meaning people who make unrequested material donations, and regrettably by scammers who try to capitalize on such disasters.
Please, be careful of information that you share. I know people want to help, but raw, unvetted information is frequently wrong. Advice is often bad or incorrect. It is better to make sure you are using official sources, not spreading rumors.
Donations of goods are often referred to by emergency managers as "The Second Disaster". Only donate goods if those specific goods are requested by a recognized emergency relief agency or official emergency management agency. Too often people donate things that are not needed, donate too much of certain things, perishable items, or items that have to be stored indoors. This creates a logjam of material that can't be used, is hard to distribute, goes bad, or gets ruined. Usually monetary donations are best.
Be on high alert for scammers.
Be extremely wary of anyone asking for money. Make sure you check out anyone before you donate money. It is best to stick with known organizations and be on the lookout for imposters.
If you need assistance locating or connecting with a loved one in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia or Florida because of Hurricane Helene, the Red Cross may be able to help.