Disasters require a rapid response and at such times organisations involved in the emergency response may not be able to make use of all offers of help. However, by registering an interest in helping out in the event of future disasters, you can make it much easier for organisations to make use of your skills and keep you up to date with events.
Make a regular donation to an aid agency
This helps them to build up their funds, allowing them to respond to emergencies immediately. If you are a UK tax payer, for every pound you give, the aid agency you are supporting will receive an extra 28 pence from HM Revenue & Customs. This means a £10 Gift Aid donation is worth £12.80 to the aid agency. For further information go to: www.hmrc.gov.uk/charities
Become a volunteer in the UK or Overseas
You could help aid agencies with public collections to raise money to help developing countries get through a disaster. If you are interested in volunteering overseas some aid agencies place people with professional skills – in teaching, management, social work, healthcare and IT in posts abroad. E.g. Voluntary Services Overseas (VSO) www.vso.org.uk
Speak out on behalf of the poor
You could speak out about the problems faced by developing countries and become actively engaged in fighting global poverty. Signing an email petition, writing in the media and to your local MP are just a few ways that you can get involved.
Sign up for e-mail updates of the work done by DFID and aid agencies
These e-mails may include job opportunities or information about how the money from previous emergencies has been spent. E.g. www.dfid.gov.uk
Consider offering special equipment in advance of a disaster striking
If offers of special equipment like machinery or transport are made and agreed in advance, when time pressures are less intense for the aid agencies, they can receive the goods more quickly and easily, when a disaster strikes.
