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Wise donations needed
Floridians reminded of tornado dangers
By SUZETTE PORTER
Article published on Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2007 |
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![[Image]](/content_images/020707_fpg-01.jpg) |
| Photo courtesy of Florida Emergency Management |
| An aerial view of the devastation in central Florida left behind after deadly tornadoes swept through the area on Feb. 2. |
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PINELLAS COUNTY – While much of the rest of the United States worries about snow and ice, Floridians are reminded of another danger of living in paradise.
Officials report that recovery efforts are progressing in areas ravaged by the Ground Hog Day tornadoes that were responsible for 20 deaths as they ripped through central Florida on Feb. 2.
Damage reports from Florida Division of Emergency Management said more than 1,500 homes and commercial buildings had sustained damage in Lake, Sumter and Volusia counties. Of that number, 456 received major damage and 434 were completely destroyed.
Investigators with the National Weather Service found tornado damage and injuries in a damage swath from Lady Lake (Lake County) to New Smyrna Beach and Ponce Inlet (Volusia County).
While help is needed by many affected by the disaster, Volunteer Florida is encouraging people to contribute wisely.
"We are receiving so many offers to help, which is wonderful. Our goal is to maximize this generosity to be as effective as it can be for meeting the needs of the tornado survivors now and in the weeks and months to come" said Wendy Spencer, CEO of the Governor's Commission on Volunteerism.
Spencer said the state has established a coordinated system designed to channel relief efforts and serve communities and residents that are in the process of recovery. She offered some tips for those who want to help.
Financial contributions are preferred
Cash donations help to avoid the labor and expense of sorting, packing, transporting and distributing donated goods, and voluntary relief agencies can use cash to quickly meet the specific needs of impacted residents.
Donate through an experienced disaster relief organization
Relief agencies prefer the flexibility of cash donations; however, some have the infrastructure in place to store and distribute donated goods. To prevent waste, donations of goods should be given only to agencies that have requested specific items.
Confirm the need before collecting
Donors should be wary of anyone who claims that "everything is needed." Many groups are disappointed when their efforts and the goods they collect are not appreciated because they are not needed. A community hit by disaster, however, does not have the time, manpower or money to dispose of unneeded donations. Get precise information and confirm the need before collecting any donated goods.
Volunteer wisely to help others
In a community struggling to respond to and recover from a disaster, an influx of unexpected or unneeded volunteers and donations can make the process even more difficult. Before traveling to the disaster area to help, learn where and when your skills will be needed. Discuss with volunteer organizers how your personal needs for food, water and shelter will be met while you are volunteering.
For current information about volunteers and donations, visit www.volunteerflorida.org or call the Florida Volunteer and Donations Hotline at 1-800-FL-HELP-1 (1-800-354-3571).
The Salvation Army is accepting donations. People wishing to make monetary donations can call 1-800-Sal-Army or go online to www.salvationarmyusa.org. Donations can be sent by mail to The Salvation Army Disaster Relief Fund, P.O. Box 270848, Tampa Fla. 33618.
Donations can be sent to the American Red Cross, Disaster Relief Fund - Capital Area Chapter, 187 Office Plaza Drive, Tallahassee Fla. 32301
Florida tornadoes
"Historically the stronger and more dangerous tornadoes occur in February, March, and April. The four deadliest springtime tornado outbreaks in Florida history have occurred in this timeframe," according to tornado information at www.floridadisaster.org.
Florida tornadoes often occur after midnight when people are asleep. Pinellas County Emergency Management recommends that all residents purchase a weather alert radio. When the National Weather Service issues a severe weather warning, the radio emits a loud audible alert to give citizens the opportunity to secure their families and to seek safety in a pre-determined safe room.
The Feb. 2 storms probably will be remembered as the second most deadly in state history. Central Florida already holds the record as the site of the most deadly series of tornadoes for the Feb. 22-23, 1998 event when seven tornadoes killed 42 people in Volusia, Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties.
Central Florida also was struck by severe storms in December when several tornados ripped through the area, causing structural damage, but no fatalities.
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Article published on Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2007
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