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Be prepared for the next disaster, how to become a disaster volunteer

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Published  September 23, 2019 2:40pm CDT
Hurricanes
FOX 7 Austin

How to become a disaster volunteer

Giving City Austin's Jennifer Ransom joins Good Day Austin with information on how to become a disaster volunteer.

AUSTIN, Texas - After recent flooding from Imelda, many Texans are questioning how they can help their affected neighbors. However,  without proper training, some people willing to volunteer can become victims themselves. Jennifer Ransom from Giving City Austin, urges people interested in volunteering to contact relief orgazinations for proper disaster training.  

Here a few tips from Giving City Austin: 

Disaster volunteering information 

    • Never "self deploy." Working with organizations lowers the chances of becoming a burden to first responders. 
    • Be patient and wait for the organization to reach out to you. 
    • Volunteers 18 years and older are always needed. Safer opportunities do exist for teens 13 years and older. 
    • Bi-lingual volunteers are highly beneficial to disater relief efforts. 

Local organizations that help with training and relief efforts: 

Texas VOAD

Austin Disaster Relief Network

Central Texas Red Cross 

Texas Search and Rescue

For more information please check out Givingcityaustin.com