Relief work in times of need

      When disaster strikes ?
    All over the world, there are natural disasters. Whether it's flooding, hurricanes, tsunamis, earthquakes, or tornadoes, these can cause damage to the basic infrastructure of a city and debilitate it for weeks, even months.
    As has been recently seen by earthquakes and tsunamis everywhere, these can come unexpectedly and leave many people unprepared. For those that survive, the resulting destruction can be just as difficult.
      Today, we'll see how we can help people in other places to cope with destruction and disaster.This is often called relief work.
•Why do you think it is called ‘relief’?
•What does this word mean?
      Some questions
•How do you know where to go?
•What will you do when you arrive?
•How can you help?
•Are there any dangers?
    These are questions many people have about relief work. It can seem overwhelming to go to a place to help, especially when your location is already in shambles. We'll consider these questions and help you prepare for a volunteer trip to a place in need!
            Prior experience
    Before you go to a place in need, you will first need to consider how you will prepare. Previous experience will help a lot here.
•Have you ever traveled internationally before?
•Have you ever been to a less developed place, or a place less established than where you live?
•Have you ever done relief or volunteer work before?
•Do you have any specific skills or talents you can use at your destination?
Why do you think preparation is especially important before traveling somewhere for relief work?
              Preparation
      Preparation is so important because your destination already needs assistance. Whether it was a hurricane, flood, tornado, tsunami, earthquake, or other disaster, you will need to know what to be careful of, what to avoid, and how you can help.
    First, let's think of two areas: how you will get to your destination and what you will do right after you get there.
    Because of the local destruction, travel into your country might be difficult. Before you go, be sure you watch the news and know what is the best way to get in. Flights might be cancelled, so you might need to fly into another city and drive or take a train to your destination.
    Know as much as possible so you can arrive safely!
    Think of the situation where you will be going. What do people there need?Has a disaster just occurred? If so, there might not be much if any structure or organization. There might be searches for survivors or missing people. This can be dangerous and strenuous work.
    If you are arriving a period of time after the disaster, relief work might already be organized, and you might help with distributing medicines, cooking food, building shelters, or even rebuilding peoples' homes.
    These are all things necessary to rebuild a city and help people get back to their lives.
• Is there something in particular you would like to help people do?
•Is there anything you would be worried about when traveling to an area that has been damaged by a natural disaster?
              Arrival
    There are also things you need to consider after you arrive.
• Do you know anyone where you are going?
• Have you already planned where you will stay?
• Where will you go to help?
      We'll consider these questions together. The best way to be sure your efforts are well spent are by working in cooperation with an organization.
    Regardless of affiliation, an organization will have structure and plans that will allow you to make the best use of your time.
Some examples are:
•The American Red Cross .
•FEMA
•UNICEF
•World Health Organization
•United  Nations
      What will you do?
What will you do when you arrive?
    If you go with an organization, you can get an assignment. They will arrange for you to report somewhere and give you work to do.
Why do you think this is beneficial?
    Think of places where there have been natural disasters. Is it easy to get around? If your destination is somewhere you have never been, it will be especially hard even without the added difficulty of a natural disaster.
Therefore, having assistance from an organization can help you to arrive safely and know where the greatest need is.
Dialogue:Thinking about volunteering
Michael: I really feel like we should go help in Japan.
Susan: But how?
Michael: The Smiths went with the American Red Cross. They were able to fly into Kyoto and get assignments because of their medical training.
Susan: That's great. But what training do we have? What could we do?
Michael: They need volunteers to search through rubble, organize crowds, and help give out food and water.
Susan: That's something we could do! Do you think we could go?
Michael: We will have to arrange flights. I can call the Red Cross tonight.
Susan: We'll have to get time off work.
Michael: We still have vacation time.
Susan: If we can get a few more people to go with us it would be safer.
Michael: Japan is safe. The Smiths are there now, and I heard electricity should be back soon.
Susan: Is there anything we should bring?
Michael: I will find out tonight.
Susan: I will watch the news and start making a list.
      When you are there?
    After you arrive, what might you need to remember?
    Be patient, positive, and encouraging. You might not be able to speak the local language, but what can you do?
Everyone smiles in the same language.
Be kind and warm.
Remember that there may be many people from many different countries.
The main goal is to work together to help the local people. Cooperation is crucial.
Depending on the disaster and when you go, you might also have to deal with some of the difficulties, too.
Your living conditions, food, water supply, and electricity might all be minimal. It will very likely be more like a camping trip than a vacation.
            Take action
    It is difficult to know what will happen or what you will need when you go, so the more planning you do, the better.
    You might need to bring things like a basic first aid kit, batteries, a flashlight, medicine, and lots of work clothes. Most of the supplies you will be using should come from the organization you are going with, but you still need to prepare things for yourself.
    Watching the news can help you prepare better for what you might need.
• Can you think of anywhere that might need volunteer assistance right now?
• Is it a place you have visited?
• Would you go there right now?
• What could you do there to help?
                Stay safe
      Even though you are traveling to help others, be sure to keep your own safety in mind. Injuring yourself or those with you will help no one. Don't do anything outside your own abilities.
    It would also be helpful to let friends or relatives in your hometown know where you will be and how to contact you. Leaving a copy of your itinerary, location, and travel dates with someone will help others make sure you are okay.
    Areas prone to natural disasters will sometimes have multiple disasters (for example, a second earthquake), and your family will want to know you are okay.
                Getting out
    There is a lot to work on before you leave, and a lot to do while you're there, but remember: you need to have a way to get out.
  If everything goes well, you should be able to get out the same way you got in, but if the situation deteriorates, you may need to have an alternate plan. Keep an eye on the situation and any modes of transportation available to you.
    You might need a backup plan. Be sure to have some extra cash around, along with your passport. This will allow you to improvise, and even get out early if you need to.

Relief work in times of need Relief work in times of need