Myths of disaster reliefAid groups address public stereotypes about overseas disasters

SEATTLE – As they rush to save lives in the wake of the Haiti earthquake,aid workers also must address myths about disaster relief among theAmerican public. Edward Brown, relief director for Christian humanitarianorganization, World Vision, debunks five myths around disaster relief.

1. Collecting blankets, shoes and clothing is a cost-effective way to help

The cost of shipping these items from around the country – let alone thetime it takes to sort, pack and ship them – is prohibitive and entails muchhigher cost than the value of the goods themselves. World Vision has reliefsupplies already stocked in disaster-prone countries as well as instrategically located warehouses around the world. World Vision hadsupplies pre-positioned in Haiti in preparation for hurricane season, whichallowed the agency to respond immediately to last week’s earthquake.These supplies are designed to meet international standards forhumanitarian relief and are packaged up and ready to deploy as soon as acrisis strikes. Cash donations are the best, most cost-efficent way to helpaid groups deliver these life-saving supplies quickly, purchase suppliesclose to the disaster zone when possible and replenish their stocks inpreparation for future disasters.

2. If I send cash, my help won’t get there

Reputable agencies send 80 percent or more of cash donations to thedisaster site; the rest is invested in monitoring, reporting and otheractivities that facilitate transparency and efficiency in their operations,as well as in sharing information with those who can help. Donors have aright and a responsibility to ask aid groups how they will be using thosedonations, and what will be done with donations raised in excess of theneed. Transparent and effective organizations will readily provide thatinformation.

3. Volunteers are desperately needed in emergency situations.

While hands-on service may feel like a better way to help in a crisis,disaster response is a highly technical and sensitive effort.Professionals with specialized skills and overseas disaster experienceshould deployed to disaster sites. Volunteers without those skills can domore harm than good, and siphon off critical logistics and translationsservices. Qualified disaster professionals ensure that help is deliveredeffectively, safely and efficiently.

4. Unaccompanied children should be adopted as quickly as possible to getthem out of dangerous conditions.

Hearing about the specific needs of children often sparks a desire to adoptchildren who seem to have lost their families. However, early in a crisis,children need to be protected, but should remain in their home countriesuntil authorities can confirm the locations of their family members andexplore adoption possibilities within their own communities and cultures.International adoption may be the best solution for some children, but itis too early to know for sure in the first weeks of a crisis.

5. People are helpless in the face of natural disasters

Even in the poorest countries like Haiti, people often reveal a great dealof inner strength and often show a resourcefulness that can save lives...While support and aid are necessary, the Haitian people are by no means helpless.

For more information on World Vision’s response, or on ways the public canhelp, please visit http://www.worldvision.org/, or phone 888-56-CHILD.