#Helene #HowToHelp thread:
If you're in the NC Triangle, 2 locations to drop supplies off to be delivered by Day One Relief (likely by air):
- Carrboro: Back Alley Bikes, 100 Boyd St. Open Tues/Sat 11-6
- Durham: Art Post, 718 Iredell. Open Mon-Say 12-6
(I'll add more as I learn; feel free to add your own information)
There have been very specific requests for gas-powered chainsaws, gas cans, unopened containers of mixed gas, and chainsaw PPE.
Other commonly needed items include:
Non-perishable food & baby formula
LifeStraws (or other super easy ways to purify water without power)
Heavy duty bags & totes
Heavy duty tarps
Generators
Coolers
Sports drinks & electrolytes
Bottled water
Bug spray
5 gallon buckets
Toilet paper
Batteries and USB power banks (preferably charged)
Heavy duty cleaning materials
@DrTCombs It’s going to be a long recovery. Another group that helps both with funds, disaster kits and workers, often in conjunction with other groups is Presbyterian Disaster Assistance https://pda.pcusa.org. I’m sure their disaster kits will be in need of replenishment after this,so if going isn’t in your skill set, helping with that is an option too. The need is so great, there will be space for all of us to help in some way if we wish.
I recommend everyone get life straws, nonperishable camping style food, extra water, even things like survival tents, and keep this kit in a grab and go bag. No one is safe anywhere from disaster. Maybe you never need it, but a minimal kit could be lifesaving.
If you have useful skills (can you safely use a chainsaw? Do you know how to fix roofs? Can you deliver babies?) and are in good health, there are organizations (like the one below) deploying volunteers to places in desperate need:
https://baptistsonmission.org/Mission-Projects/By-Mission-Type/Disaster-Relief/Hurricane-Helene?
PLEASE don't just head up there on your own. Odds are you'll just be in the way. Sign up with an established organization that knows how to get you where you're needed.