Hurricane Laura recently made landfall as a Category 4 hurricane in Louisiana. The storm brought life-threatening storm surge, extreme winds, and flash flooding to large areas along the Gulf Coast. FEMA and the Red Cross are working with Federal, State, and local authorities and have mobilized first responder units in an executed response to the impacts of the storm.
Fema’s Emergency Guidelines
- Texas residents should visit gov.texas.gov hurricane for information on evacuation orders, reception center locations, and other emergency resources. For answers to additional questions, call 2-1-1. Louisiana residents should call 2-1-1 for evacuation, sheltering, and resources for immediate needs.
- Stay off the roads. Emergency workers may be assisting people in flooded areas or cleaning up debris. You can help them best by staying off the roads and out of the way. Do not return home until local officials say it is safe.
- If it is safe to do so, check on your neighbors. You may be the help they need right now.
- Don’t drive or walk through floodwaters. Floodwater can contain dangerous debris, downed power lines, and other risks. Do not attempt to walk, swim, wade, or drive through floodwaters.
- Please remember to maintain social distancing guidelines around non-family members when possible.
- For more details, please visit Fema.org
Aiding in Hurricane Laura recovery efforts
Right now, the full impact of Hurricane Laura is being assessed. Monetary donations are the quickest and most efficient way to help at this time. Organizations will best be able to assess needs and distribute money according to the most urgent needs (These needs can change very quickly).
Before you donate money
Please verify how reputable the organization is by utilizing tools such as Charity Navigator or Guidestar, which grade nonprofits on their effectiveness and financial wellness. You can also research by using the Internal Revenue Services records, which are available here.
Donating to Local Organizations
Here is a shortlist of local non-profit organizations that are directly aiding in first responder efforts.
The Cajun Navy – a nonprofit, citizen-led disaster response team, is working to rescue those who are stranded and get them critical supplies. Its most urgent needs are for cleaning materials, rubber boots, insect spray, bleach, wipes, gloves, masks, and disinfectants.
SBP – This organization was founded in 2006, by a couple in St. Bernard Parish who were frustrated by the slow response after Hurricane Katrina. After a disaster, impacted homeowners are often at a loss for what to do next. The following resources are informative and help homeowners make smart decisions in a stressful time.
The Community Foundation of Southwest Louisiana – We are raising money from people who want to help their neighbors in Southwest Louisiana return to the lives they’d known before Hurricane Laura struck. The contributions will be given to nonprofit organizations with the most need.
The Houston Food Bank – A spokeswoman for the Houston Food Bank stated “The need for food assistance has increased by over 180% since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. What we need most right now are volunteers to help sort and distribute the donated food items. Money is the best way to donate items. Every $1 that is donated will provide 3 meals to a family in need.”
Austin Disaster Relief – This organization is seeking donations to help relocate evacuees to hotels in the Austin area. They are also distributing basic supplies such as toiletries, hygiene kits, and clothing.
Donating to National Organizations
The Salvation Army – Has set up mobile feeding, medical and other types of relief stations to aid both first-responders and survivors. Donations can be made on their website, or donors can text the code LAURA to 90999 to donate $10. Note – To protect survivors living in shelters from the spread of the coronavirus, the Red Cross will not accept donations of food, clothes, or other supplies.
Americares Foundation – This organization is set up to support its deliveries of medicine, personal protective equipment, or masks, and other medical supplies to disaster areas.
The United Way of Southwest Louisiana –
United Way of Southwest Louisiana – This non-profit organization has set up a fund to support both short- and long-term relief efforts. Also, you can text LAURA to 40403 to donate.
Give blood
The Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center is trying to rebuild its blood supply after being forced to close a couple of centers that fell in the storm’s path. If you are in the Gulf Coast region, you can sign up to donate blood in one of 17 centers.
RVC Outdoor Destinations
Our hearts go out to the residents of Louisiana, Texas, and Arkansas and other impacted areas of the United States. We have the ability to accept long-term residents at any of our resorts nationwide. Especially at our resorts that are closest to the affected areas, Medina Highpoint Resort, in Texas, and at Catherine’s Landing, in Hot Springs, Arkansas. RVC Outdoor Destinations, the leading provider of high-quality outdoor hospitality in the United States, is redefining the traditional camping experience. For more information, please visit rvcoutdoors.com.
