(Indianapolis, IN) - The Indiana Department of Homeland Security encourages people wishing to donate to the relief efforts for recent hurricanes to do so through coordinating agencies and do not self-deploy to the area.
According to IDHS officials, responding to a disaster is a complex, coordinated effort because of widespread destruction many roads impassable or unsafe to travel.
"Active search and rescue efforts continue, and arriving vehicles with supplies could cause more harm than good at this early stage," IDHS officials said.
IDHS Director of Emergency Management Mary Moran said people should not act on their first impulse to want to help when seeing the devastation on TV or with friends and family in those areas.
"Volunteer needs will continue for many weeks, months and even years. There will be plenty of opportunities to help, but it must be coordinated so as not to cause an increased burden on first responders," she said.
According to IDHS officials, donations of cash are most effective and will be put to use immediately.
Visit the FEMA Volunteer and Donate page for a list of reputable organizations to direct donations.
Hurricane Helene hit North Carolina the hardest.
Below are some reputable organizations to donate cash or arrange for volunteers or supplies to help:
