FEMA calling all volunteers to help put lives back together after hurricanes
Published 12:00 am Wednesday, September 29, 2004
Churches, concerned citizens and anyone who wants to help salvage lives damaged by Hurricane Ivan have a powerful tool in the Internet.
A website,
is devoted to bringing volunteers from all over the country together to help the victims of Ivan.
“There’s information there were you can sign up your organization to get put where its needed,” Brett Howard, EMA Director said.
Chad Ladov, FEMA representative, said the need for help in South Alabama is great and lots of people can help out, even with the “small” jobs.
“(They’re) looking for people to pack food boxes,” he said.
The most obvious need is for cleanup crews, or anyone who can operate a chainsaw. But, other needs include helping prepare meals, damage assessment, distribution and other services.
The Web site allows groups or individuals to search for service positions by county, availability, organization and skills.
The site also allows online registration for groups and individuals who wish to donate food or money.
“Of course, the food banks (are) helping out,” Ladov said.
Food is still a big need for hurricane victims in South Alabama Ladov said. While the state has approved extra food stamp benefits for 24 counties, the extras are only allowed to those already on food stamps before the storm. Which means many residents are forced to rely on charity for food.
The federal government has approved Alabama for $41 million in disaster relief as well.
Ivan, a Category 3 storm when it made landfall, was responsible for destruction in more than half of Alabama’s 67 counties.
Early estimates have put damage costs from Ivan at $3 billion to $10 billion nationally.
FEMA is operating a hotline for volunteers throughout the state.
For more information call 877-824-9826, or to request personal assistance for your own property, call 1-800-621-FEMA.
– The Associated Press contributed to this story.