Suggestions for Disaster Relief

Happenings Around Waco

I am passing this information along at the request of Knight Star Enterprises/Knight Star Institute. The three individuals who have developed these suggested guidelines have a wealth of experience in dealing with disasters and offer these suggestions based on their experience in dealing with disasters such as this one. They make valid points worth considering.


KNIGHT-STAR ENTERPRISES / KNIGHT-STAR INSTITUTE

Waco, TX


Dear Local Non-Profits and Churches,


Great energy has been created these past several days in our community as we all endeavor to serve the victims of Hurricane Katrina. Our organization has fielded many calls and, having been in situations like these before, would like to humbly share some recommendations. Since Disaster Relief Operations are complex missions, there is an extra degree of difficulty due to the magnitude and urgency. But, we feel the guidelines below may be of some value in your relief efforts.



Coordinate all activities with local Emergency Management, American Red Cross and Salvation Army. These organizations are trained, equipped and experienced at dealing effectively with victims’ needs. They have standard policies and procedures to ensure that all victims are treated fairly and receive the best possible service.
Special collections, sponsored by churches/organization, to provide money to the Red Cross or items requested by the Salvation Army are best. This ensures all victims will have their needs met and acquire their needed resources after being properly screened.
When churches sponsor specific families - promising, food, clothing, jobs and shelter, it creates a scenario in which some victims will receive more than others. Therefore, it is not recommended. Churches through their generosity and outpouring of care in this fashion essentially make a 1 to 2 year commitment to the victims. Whereas, the Salvation Army, Red Cross and FEMA have procedures in place to ensure that all victims are served long-term.
Coordinate and talk a lot with each other the first several weeks of any disaster. Controlling rumors and identifying unsavory individuals – who take advantage of poor coordination and communication -- to commit fraud against well-meaning organizations. We recommend weekly, facilitated conference calls for at least two weeks, allowing the Red Cross, Salvation Army, and Emergency Management officials to brief organizational leaders with actual facts, solve problems, and dialogue about emerging issues. Teleconferences will allow those organizations providing additional services the opportunity to avoid duplicating efforts.
Respect the Established Guidelines and Procedures. Do not add to the disaster. Just because you can help does not mean that you need to help – over and above responding to requests being issued to the general public by these three disaster authorities.
Redirecting your funding commitments to Katrina relief efforts – away from local organizations that currently depend on your funding – will cause a great many other problems. Please consider your pledges carefully.
Only open shelters if requested by Emergency Management, ensuring all victims are registered on the Next of Kin Registry and with FEMA. www.fema.gov and www.disasterhelp.gov.
Do not collect clothing, food or household goods unless instructed by officials of the Red Cross, Salvation Army or Emergency Management. After every disaster, thousands of tons of food and clothing are thrown away and never reach the victims because of the cost and logistics necessary to distribute.


Following these guidelines will help your organization make far greater contributions to actually helping the many thousands of Katrina’s victims.


Sincerely,


Lt. Gen. Donald W. Jones (USA-Ret), Former Senior VP of the American National Red Cross

Executive Vice-President of Knight-Star Enterprises


Ms. Anita Knight, Former Member of the Allstate National Catastrophe Team

President of Knight-Star Enterprises



Mr. Matthew G. Wright, CFRE, Former CEO of the Mid-Tex American Red Cross

Acting Executive Director of Knight-Star Institute


About Knight-Star Enterprises / Knight-Star Institute -- Knight-Star Enterprises is a homeland security management consulting firm that helps leaders prepare and prevail in the face of disasters. The firm strengthens leaders’ skills and organizational readiness for survival to mitigate suffering, chaos, and loss of personal, commercial and intellectual property. Knight-Star Institute is a non-profit charitable organization that promotes disaster preparedness and protection for communities – particularly among the elderly, infirm and disabled.