Disaster Relief Group Braces for Start of Hurricane Season

AmeriCares Prepares to Provide Emergency Aid

June 1st marks the start of hurricane season for the United States, the Caribbean and Latin America. Experts predict as many as 14 serious storms this year. In preparation for these storms and the damage they can do, AmeriCares has stocked disaster aid in key areas prone to hurricanes.

AmeriCares has been providing aid to people devastated by natural disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes and wildfires for over 25 years – including a massive, ongoing response to Hurricane Katrina. AmeriCares disaster relief professionals have the expertise needed to deliver emergency supplies and critical medicines to areas destroyed by these violent storms.

From our headquarters in Connecticut to El Salvador, and many places in between, AmeriCares has set up a network of hurricane relief suppliers, donors, logistics and local partnerships. This ensures fast delivery of aid to the people who need it the most.

While large disaster relief organizations like AmeriCares get ready for the hurricane season, families can prepare as well. Christoph Gorder, AmeriCares vice president of emergency response, urges families in the hurricane belt to develop an emergency evacuation plan and make disaster kits.

“Unlike earthquakes, tornadoes and volcanic eruptions, we are able to prepare for hurricanes in advance,” says Gorder. “I’ve witnessed hundreds of people injured in hurricanes and thousands of lives in jeopardy from related illness. I cannot say strongly enough – leave immediately when authorities order an evacuation.”

In addition to a good evacuation plan, families can easily make a disaster kit and prepare for hurricane season. In addition to basics like bottled water, non-perishable foods, battery-powered radios and flashlights, disaster kits need to address health care needs.

“Pack your first aid kit with a week’s supply of routine medications in addition to bandages, cold compresses and other emergency items,” suggests Gorder. “People tend to forget or lose their prescription medications in the aftermath of a hurricane so it’s important to include them in your family’s first aid kit.”