Emergency measures to help flood victims: the first steps

Floods are devastating disasters that strike unexpectedly and cannot be predicted or avoided. At such times, it is important not to panic and to remain as calm as possible. If you are not directly affected by the disaster, you can help the victims in the first hours after the disaster. Urgent measures are needed to help flood victims. Here's what they are.

Get informed about the disaster and what the victims need

In order to be as helpful as possible to the flood victims, gather all the information about what has happened - the damage done; the situation as of now, etc. When you are well informed, you will be really helpful. You can also look to see if any donation campaign has already been organized for the victims in the area.

Check out a donation site or call to find out what kind of help they are providing and how you can be most helpful.

Keep in mind that a variety of needs will emerge at different stages of this crisis. Therefore, it is advisable to head to the disaster area well informed.

Decide how you will be most helpful

There are several ways you can get involved with the first aid teams of the disaster population or in the subsequent recovery of the area.

In the first instance, you can donate funds or essential goods. The easiest way to do this is by making a monetary donation to organised donation campaigns. If you have willingness, time, useful skills or other resources to offer in lieu of financial aid, you can volunteer on the ground and provide physical and psychological support to the disaster victims.

The satisfaction that volunteering will bring you is immeasurable. The inner feeling that you have helped people in distress will give you a real charge. Of course, giving financial and material help in the form of donations to a fundraising campaign is also important. Without these, it is difficult to overcome the material damage caused and give the victims a chance to quickly return to their normal way of life.

Be careful when volunteering and don't make rash decisions because there is always danger and risk of injury associated with travelling to and staying in flood zones. Don't take anything on your own and join the teams already formed on the ground!

Join the volunteer groups with your professional skills

If it is safe enough to travel to the affected area, see if humanitarian organisations are looking for volunteers to help on the ground, in addition to being part of charity campaigns.

Join volunteer squads whose mission is to clear debris, help homeowners salvage their personal belongings and property, and take an active part in rebuilding their damaged homes.

By volunteering your professional skills, you can be of service to those in need. You may also come up with ideas for charitable causes.

If you're a medical professional, consider whether you can be helpful with your medical services or supplies to those in need in the area.

If you are a contractor or work in construction, you can easily bring your team, supplies and other resources to the field to participate in the recovery of the area.

If you own a business, especially in the area surrounding the flood, you can discount or provide free goods/services to those affected by the flooding. This can be called a charity drive.

Offer shelter

If you live not far from the flood zone and your house is intact and big enough, consider whether it would be a good idea to shelter some destitute family who lost their home and all their belongings in the disaster. Never forget that these people, in losing their home, are practically losing their whole former life.

This may prompt you to take a direct part in the charity that is currently being launched .

If, however, your home is quite small and accommodating additional people in it will be more of a burden to them than a help, you can seek help from relatives and friends for the accommodation.

Ask how you can be of most help to those affected by the flooding. They may need a hot, home-cooked meal, help caring for their pets, or photographing flood damage for insurance claims. Be a good listener and remember that sometimes it's best to just listen and not offer your own opinion.

Participate in a fundraiser

Donating to a charitable cause is also an acceptable option for participating in emergency relief efforts for flood victims. In the event that you are purely physically unable to provide assistance on terne, you can be active from a distance. Get involved with donations or organise your own crowdfunding campaign to raise funds to help flood victims.

If you have some unwanted items, consider giving them to flood victims in need. Rarely used clothing, socks, shoes, bedding and blankets are almost always needed after a devastating flood.

You can also help children affected by flooding by sending them books and toys. Buy and donate new, non-perishable food items and bottled drinking water.

Read our article on how to keep children safe: Protecting children in floods

First aid kits, tents, mosquito nets, soap and hygiene products may also be needed. Sending money is an easy and effective way to help.

When disasters strike, the Pavel Andreev Foundation website organizes donation drives to raise funds to support the victims. You can get involved by visiting PavelAndreev.ORG and checking out the active campaigns.

Make sure you donate through a reputable organization like the Pavel Andreev Foundation. Always check where and to whom you donate. Unfortunately, some bogus organizations can pop up after disasters as tricks to steal donations.

All campaigns on the www.pavelandreev.org platform are verified and all documentation is required before any campaign funds raised are transferred to the recipient.

Remember that people need support in the days, months and even years after natural disasters. Be sensitive to the fact that new problems and difficulties may continue to arise even after the floods subside. Show the necessary empathy and contribute to the victims in the way you feel is best. Be it by making a donation or volunteering in a campaign. Every help is important!