In times of disaster, everyone has a sense of urgency and wants to do something to help. The last thing you want to hear is "wait," however, relief organizations need to prepare for your participation—otherwise your service won't be as helpful as it could be. Your presence could even worsen the situation by creating additional demand on critical resources like food, water, sanitation and medical facilities. Please do not call. During disasters, large numbers of untrained volunteers offer their help. Their phone calls tax an already overburdened phone system and tie up lines needed to assist survivors. We know you have the best of intentions, but your help can be a hindrance until we can match your time and talents with relief and recovery efforts. Register and we'll contact you at the first opportunity to put your energy to the best use and ensure that lifesaving time and resources are not wasted in a time of crisis. Please do not travel to the affected areas. You've seen the news reports. Basic essentials like food, water, medical supplies and fuel are in short supply. Housing and infrastructure have been damaged or destroyed. Your presence on the scene before facilities are set up to receive and assign volunteers will only make matters worse. You won't be able to get to work immediately, and without intending to, you'll put an added drain on the limited resources available to aid the survivors. We know it's frustrating to wait. But register now , and don't go anywhere until volunteer operations are in place so your energy and efforts can do the most good. Click here to register.

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