I don't post much here but some may know me from other boards. I know everyone is wanting to know how to help so I want to pass on some thoughts.
I live 5 miles west of Joplin and work as an EMS administrator. From the time it hit to Tuesday we worked nearly nonstop alongside our Missouri brothers. I can tell you the devastation is even worse than they show on TV. In my career I worked in Greensburg, Katrina, and several more along the way. This is right up there. They really will need help and there is something for everyone to do. Right now, the advice in other threads to hold on is correct. Yesterday we seemed to start the shift from rescue to recovery. Searching has stopped and there is some cleanup underway. Still, I would say next week would be a good time to think about coming to help for those so inclined.
The best and easiest thing to help with is money. I'm sure the Red Cross, etc. are funneling donations. For people wanting to physically come up here, the best thing to do is come with a group or join up with a group. I'm seeing the church groups, etc. getting to help while individual people are getting brushed off. Also, think about ways you can help that may be unique. People showing up empty handed wanting to "search" are not a lot of help. There are highly trained professionals doing that. People who want to hand out water, haul stuff, etc. seem to be welcomed. We're seeing people fixing tires for responders (lots of nails), giving tetanus shots, tarping roofs, things like that.
The last thing I would say is right now there is a lot of attention on JoMo. That won't last. Remember these folks in three weeks.
I live 5 miles west of Joplin and work as an EMS administrator. From the time it hit to Tuesday we worked nearly nonstop alongside our Missouri brothers. I can tell you the devastation is even worse than they show on TV. In my career I worked in Greensburg, Katrina, and several more along the way. This is right up there. They really will need help and there is something for everyone to do. Right now, the advice in other threads to hold on is correct. Yesterday we seemed to start the shift from rescue to recovery. Searching has stopped and there is some cleanup underway. Still, I would say next week would be a good time to think about coming to help for those so inclined.
The best and easiest thing to help with is money. I'm sure the Red Cross, etc. are funneling donations. For people wanting to physically come up here, the best thing to do is come with a group or join up with a group. I'm seeing the church groups, etc. getting to help while individual people are getting brushed off. Also, think about ways you can help that may be unique. People showing up empty handed wanting to "search" are not a lot of help. There are highly trained professionals doing that. People who want to hand out water, haul stuff, etc. seem to be welcomed. We're seeing people fixing tires for responders (lots of nails), giving tetanus shots, tarping roofs, things like that.
The last thing I would say is right now there is a lot of attention on JoMo. That won't last. Remember these folks in three weeks.
