Services



Disaster Response

HOW YOU CAN HELP

When it becomes clear that a disaster will impact our local area either directly (eg. a direct landfall) or indirectly (evacuees staying in our area for extended periods of time), United Way of Escambia County will establish a Disaster Fund. Contributions to the Disaster Fund will be allocated as needed among United Way partner agencies and programs working to assist individuals and families impacted by the disaster. The dollars will remain in the local area unless otherwise directed by the donor, and will help speed recovery efforts to local residents and those who may find themselves in our community in need of assistance. 

Suggested guidelines for giving in times of disaster are as follows:

Cash Donations Are Best

  • Cash allows disaster relief professionals to procure exactly what is needed in a disaster situation.
  • Cash is the most efficient donation because it does not use up scarce resources such as transportation routes, staff time, and warehouse space and because it can be transferred very quickly.
  • Cash donations do not require transportation costs, which can outweigh the value of materials donated.
  • Cash supports the economy of the disaster-stricken region.
  • Cash donations prevent culturally, dietary, and environmentally inappropriate giving.
  • To make a cash contribution for a specific disaster affecting our area, click here to be directed to our secure credit card processing portal. Be sure to note Disaster Relief in the comment field of the second page, and specify the name of the storm if applicable. 100 percent of donations designated to disaster relief will be distributed locally to agencies providing relief efforts in our area, and no administrative fees will be retained by United Way of Escambia County. 

Material Donations Can Help When:

  • There is a confirmed need – call the State Donations Hotline to determine what is really needed: 1-800-FL-HELP-1 (1-800-354-3571) Weekdays 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Eastern time
    • You also may call professional relief organizations to arrange for donations to be made directly to them.
  • When sending donated goods, they should be well packed and clearly labeled in manageable containers, preferably palletized and shrink-wrapped. This helps greatly with the handling and distribution of items to those in need.
  • Never assume that unsolicited relief supplies will be transported at no charge. Be certain you have arranged for transportation before collecting anything for transport.
  • NEVER SEND CLOTHING UNLESS IT IS SPECIFICALLY REQUESTED, AND THEN ONLY NEW, CLIMATE APPROPRIATE CLOTHING, CLEARLY MARKED WITH SIZE IS TRULY HELPFUL
United Way of Escambia County supports disaster recovery in the following ways:
  1. Serve as the Emergency Support Function 15 (ESF15) as designated by the Escambia County Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan – to coordinate unaffiliated volunteers (those not previously trained by a disaster response agency such as the Red Cross) and distribute unsolicited, donated goods such as household items, supplies, and food. In large disasters, we may establish a volunteer reception center to help match volunteers with area needs, or a warehouse to receive and distribute donated items to local agencies assisting in disaster recovery.  If you are interested in volunteering to assist us with either of these functions, e-mail tom@unitedwayescambia.org or call 444-7132 (before or after a disaster) or 471-6697 (during a disaster) for more information.
  2. Operate the First Call For Help information and referral call center to handle calls that need connection to community services and agencies. This component includes partnering with BRACE, Be Ready Alliance Coordinating for Emergencies, to ensure that homebound individuals receive life-sustaining resources and assistance. 
  3. Raise funds for health and human service agencies providing direct assistance to disaster victims. 
  4. Coordinate with other local disaster and health and human service agencies to identify unmet needs and provide comprehensive care to individuals and families who have been affected by the disaster. 

 


 

Want to get more involved?

Consider developing a longer-term commitment to disaster volunteerism so that you can help our community prepare for future disasters. Citizen Corps is the FEMA’s grassroots strategy to bring together government and community leaders to involve citizens in emergency preparedness and resilience for all hazards. Locally available training opportunities include:

  • Citizen Corps: Residents are asked to embrace the personal responsibility to be prepared; to get training in first aid and emergency skills; and to volunteer to support local emergency responders, disaster relief, and community safety.
  • Community Emergency Response Team, a partner program of Citizen Corps teaches a neighbor-helping-neighbor philosophy. During an emergency,  CERT-trained individuals are not only trained to prepare, respond and recover, but also have the training to give aid to those living and working around them.

Becoming active in Citizen Corps or CERT is an important first step for any resident who wishes to be more involved in the response to current and future disasters, natural or man-made, that affect Escambia County.  BRACE continues to expand the Escambia County Citizen Corps Council and is now coordinating the start up of the two new Citizen Corps councils for the City of Pensacola and the Town of Century. Now is the perfect time to get involved by volunteering with these new councils. 

To learn more about Citizen Corps and CERT and sign up for training, call Maralee Sartain at (850) 444-7135 to register or email her at brace@bereadyalliance.org with the following information:

  • Name 
  • Email address
  • Home address
  • At least two phone numbers: Home/Work/Cell
  • Evening class preference: Tuesday or Thursday
  • Identify whether you are interested in Citizen Corps or CERT classes.

 

Check this page for regularly updated information on how you can help.

Page updated June 15, 2010