This message is from David Barnes, emergency management director for Oklahoma County. I am passing it along as an FYI. As we always see in these types of situations, Oklahomans are tremendously helpful and in almost every instance are working hard to help those who have been impacted by this type of event. However, as we also see in these situations, those who are attempting to coordinate activities in the affected area are over-run by well-meaning folks who want to help, but that are not affiliated with an established organization or that simply go to the scene and offer assistance. While we know and understand that in most cases their hearts are in the right place and their efforts are very well-intended, this influx of resources and people actually in many instances adds to the difficulty of the situation. Note from the Moore Office of Emergency Management received this morning- If you are inquiring about our needs, please note that we are not requesting any equipment, items or manpower. All resource requests are being handled via the Oklahoma Incident Management Resource System. Please do not send items to our city; we would suggest a contribution to a local disaster relief organization. Further clarification – the “Oklahoma Incident Management Resource System” mentioned in the above note is an official system utilized through emergency management and other public safety/public works entities whereby Emergency Managers and related public officials are able to request resources through the State EM Office. It is an extensive system of tracking and provision where monitoring and accountability is maintained. This is NOT a public system but is tied to official resource provision and coordination activities. NOTE: Despite what many media outlets, both local and national are saying, officials at the impacted area do not need independent, unaffiliated, unsolicited volunteers, and as the statement above indicates, officials in the impacted areas of Moore and south Oklahoma City do not currently need equipment or supplies. IMPORTANT: One of the most significant ways individuals and organizations can assist is through financial donations to their favorite, REPUTIBLE charity. As has been experienced on countless occasions, the donation of goods such as clothing, food, etc., is often termed the “disaster within the disaster.” While we fully understand that these efforts are well-intended and the hearts of these people are in the right place, the literally tons of donated goods that are typically received are extremely difficult to manage. Again, financial contributions to reputable charities such as the American Red Cross, Salvation Army, United Way of Central Oklahoma, Christmas Connection, etc., are the best way to assist. Financial contributions are much easier to manage, can be immediately applied to specific situations and needs, and do not require warehouses or other labor-intensive efforts to handle. Here are some important guidelines that have been provided and that I encourage you to share with those who have needs or those that are wanting to assist- All individual requests for assistance (people needing help) are to be directed to 2-1-1 Volunteers wanting to assist should check the following websites: Moore.recovers.org okstrong.ok.gov unitedwayokc.org redcross.org volunteertulsa.org As always, if you have questions or need additional information, our office is here to assist. More information likely to follow. Please feel free to share this information with others- Respectfully-
Posted on: Wed, 22 May 2013 15:40:26 +0000
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