Bulldogs are compassionate. This is especially true in times of disaster. We find ways to help each other and the communities of which we are a part. This summer, our country has experienced dangerous and devastating wildfires, flooding, and tornadoes. Now the Gulf Coast is being slammed by Hurricane Harvey.

There are different phases of disaster response: rescue, relief, and recovery.

• Rescue is the work of immediate neighbors and first responders. Since the storm made landfall, southeast Texas remains in a rescue phase.
• Relief lasts roughly 10 times longer than the rescue phase. The relief work is best completed by immediate neighbors and specialized volunteers and is best aided with cash donations; in the case of Harvey, relief could take up to 70 days.
• Recovery lasts roughly 10 times longer than the relief phase. It will take 700 days or more for southeast Texas to recover. That’s two years in which outside volunteers are critical.

Here are some reminders about what to do when disaster strikes; we hope you will take to heart and share with your friends and relatives.

• Do not self-deploy as a volunteer to a disaster area. We know you want to help, but food, water, shelter, and transportation are at a premium and the first priority is making sure that first responders and local residents can get what they need.
• Donate cash. What most communities need is cash, not things. Find a reputable organization that is supporting the disaster response and recovery and contribute. They can buy what they need and not have to worry about sorting and storing donations, especially when storage facilities may be damaged or being used to shelter people. Here are some national disaster response organizations you may want to consider.
• Sign up before you show up. When the time is right, if you are able to volunteer, make sure to find an organization and sign up. Capacity is stretched during disasters and you need to make sure that you can be utilized.

The Corporation for National & Community Service is keeping NationalService.gov/Harvey updated regularly as new information about volunteer opportunities and other needs develop.

—Renee Sedlacek, Academic Excellence & Student Success