Can you help us spread the word regarding unsolicited donations? Joplin is OVERWHELMED with unsolicited donations, and in dire need of messaging to discourage folks from sending unsolicited donations! As emergency management professions, we know the secondary disaster this can create, and redirect valuable life sustaining resources to sort, package, transport, warehouse, and distribute items that may not meet the needs of survivors.
KANSAS CITY, MO— To help better manage the outpouring of support for Joplin, Missouri tornado survivors, disaster recovery experts have established some simple ways to help, whether volunteering or donating resources.
The Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) ffer those who are impacted or just wanting to help the following advice:
Volunteer or Donate
The easiest way to help is to call 2-1-1 in most areas in Missouri to volunteer time or make a donation. Cash is the best because it offers voluntary agencies the most flexibility in obtaining the most-needed resources. Confirm what is needed BEFORE taking action!
Donate in-kind goods that are specifically requested or needed by recognized organizations. Unsolicited donated goods such as used clothing, miscellaneous household items, and mixed or perishable foodstuffs require helping agencies to redirect valuable resources away from providing services to sort, package, transport, warehouse, and distribute items that may not meet the needs of disaster survivors.
Confirm the needs by contacting the voluntary organization of your choice before starting to collect.
If you have a quantity of a given item or class of item to donate, and you need help in determining which organizations to give to, you can make your offer through http://www.aidmatrixnetwork.org/fema after this, just click on Missouri.
Sheltering
Missourians who need disaster information, shelter information or referrals are also urged to call 2-1-1, or 800-427-4626.
Locate a loved one
Residents affected by the tornado wanting to notify friends and family that they are safe, should go online to https://safeandwell.communityos.org/cms//. To check on a loved one, go online
It’s easy and free and only basic information is needed. If you are not able to go online, call 417-659-5464 to register or find someone who has registered.
File an insurance claim
Call your agent to get this process started
Register for federal disaster aid
Persons in Newton and Jasper counties are now eligible to apply for federal disaster assistance. The process is free, takes about 20 minutes and is available three ways:
1) Call toll-free registration at 1-800-621-3362; for those who are speech or hearing impaired, use TTY (800) 462-7585
2) Apply online at www.disasterassistance.gov
3) Apply on Smartphones at m.fema.gov.
This assistance for individuals – both homeowners and renters - can help with minimal home repairs, temporary rental assistance and other serious, disaster-related expenses not covered by insurance or other programs.
Survivors should know that registering for other forms of disaster aid do not automatically register you for FEMA. A separate registration with FEMA is required to start the process.
"FEMA's Mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards."
