As you may know, the coasts of Texas and Louisiana were recently victim to Hurricane Harvey, which devastated the area. With record-breaking rainfall and wide-spread flooding, fully recovering from the effects of this hurricane will take years. While many Hoosiers have already aided in relief efforts, there’s still time to make donations assisting those impacted while also protecting yourself from potential scammers.
An effective and convenient way to help is through making monetary donations to reputable charities and well-established relief groups. Organizations like the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, Save the Children and the Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund can put these contributions to good use and make a big impact quickly. The charities use the money where it’s most needed, which may be toward efforts to rebuild, provide direct assistance or aid in health care services. Any monetary donation, no matter how big or small, is helpful in making a difference for someone in need.
There are many credible charities offering aid to the victims of this disaster, but sadly scammers try to take advantage of people’s generosity in times like these. It is important to be skeptical when giving money to organizations that are less credible. Individuals are advised to always avoid unsolicited emails, calls or social media messages and to research charities before making a contribution. If you’re interested in donating to an organization’s relief efforts, visit www.charitynavigator.org and click the “Hurricane Relief” banner to find a reputable charity providing assistance to the victims of Hurricane Harvey.
In the wake of this recent event, September marks the beginning of National Preparedness month. The goal of this campaign is to encourage more individuals and families to plan ahead for disasters that can happen in their areas. While the impact of natural disasters are often unexpected and leave little time for planning and evacuation, there are some steps that can be taken ahead of time to prepare. Although Southern Indiana isn’t susceptible to hurricanes, other emergencies such as tornadoes, house fires, power outages and flooding can happen. It is important to be informed about potential threats to our area, sign up for emergency alerts and develop plans ahead of time. A good plan considers the specific needs of a household, evacuation routes, shelter ideas and communication procedures within families and households. Having an established plan of action can help a family stick together and stay calm in a time of crisis. You can visit www.ready.gov/make-a-plan to learn more about developing effective emergency plans.
Although we always hope to avoid situations like this, it is important to be prepared in case of an emergency. During this time, we want to extend our thoughts and prayers to our fellow Americans who have been affected by recent natural disasters. Please continue to contact me with questions and input at 317-232-9793 or h74@iga.in.gov.
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State Rep. Lloyd Arnold (R-Leavenworth) represents House District 74,
which includes portions of Spencer, Dubois, Perry, Crawford and Orange counties.
A high-resolution photo of Arnold can be downloaded by clicking here.
