Preparing for Hurricane Season

Katrina (2005), Sandy (2012), Maria, Harvey and Irma (2017), Fiona and Ian (2022) — these familiar names for powerful past hurricanes bring to mind devastation and tragedy that impacted millions. As June is the official start of hurricane season, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) recently released its annual Atlantic hurricane forecast which is predicted to be “near-normal” for 2023. This means about five to nine hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher) and about one to four major hurricanes with an intensity category of 3, 4, or 5 (winds of 111 mph or higher) are likely to take place this year. While those predictions are not a comfort if one lives near an area that will be hit, it’s important to recognize the value of being prepared for such emergencies. For example, one can visit Ready.gov and Tips on the BBB.org websites to help plan for such events.

But how does one prepare for charitable relief needs for such hurricanes? BBB Wise Giving Alliance recommends taking these three steps: reserve, recognize and respond.  

Step 1. Reserve some of your anticipated total giving for hurricane charity relief needs that might develop due to a powerful storm. You know it’s probably going to happen, so take steps to enable you to help when the time comes.

Step 2. Recognize the red flags that can alert you to questionable relief appeal efforts so that your hard-earned money will go to responsible and trustworthy charities. Examples of red flags include a lack of clarity in disaster relief appeals. Appeals should identify the specific activities it will be supporting such as temporary shelter, food, medical care and/or other emergency needs. Does the charity already have a presence in the impacted area? Are they experienced in delivering emergency services under such conditions? Also visit Give.org to verify if the relief organization is a BBB Accredited Charity (i.e., meets the 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability.)  If considering crowdfunding, review the site’s policies and procedures regarding whether they vet postings for help after a disaster.

Step 3. Respond after having confirmed your trust in the relief group and also remember that community needs don’t end when the headlines do. Also consider long term recovery efforts in your giving plans.

Of course, when severe weather disasters strike, BBB Wise Giving Alliance also will respond by posting lists of BBB Accredited Charities that are engaged in relief efforts and will do our best to alert you to potential problems or concerns that come to our attention.

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Video of the Week

As part of the Building Trust Video series, BBB WGA is pleased to provide an interview with Marcie Smith, Executive Director, The Children’s Haven (a BBB Accredited Charity) which offers prevention and support programs for children who have experienced abuse or neglect or are living in unstable circumstances. The organization seeks to ensure each child's safety, advocate on their behalf, respond to their specific needs, and eliminate barriers to opportunity. Children’s Haven programs include Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), Wellstar Family Visitation Center, Prevent Child Abuse Cherokee (PCA Cherokee) and the Chin Up! Mentorship Program. 
 

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Heart of Giving Podcast

This week’s Heart of Giving Podcast provides an interview with Mary Cahalane, the principal of Hands-On Fundraising. Mary is a consultant and donor communications expert and specializes in strengthening giving programs with effective donor communications and smart planning advice. Learn more about her work in today's episode.

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We are always working with charities to publish or update reports for donors. Visit Give.org or local BBBs to check out any charity before giving. Our recently evaluated charities include:

• MedWish International
• International Rescue Committee
•  Paralyzed Veterans of America

Finally, remember to let us know by going to give.org/charity-inquiry if you are interested in seeing a report on a charity not on the list and we will do our best to produce one.