The Rally Cry: The Flood Disaster in South Carolina

By Kathy Fulton, Executive Director, American Logistics Aid Network (ALAN)

“Epic” flooding in the past weeks has taken a toll on the people and businesses of South Carolina. At least 19 lives were lost, and damage estimates are currently at $1 billion and climbing. Communities are just now starting to understand the full impact of the situation, as what will certainly be a protracted recovery and new normal emerges.

American Logistics Aid Network has been engaged since the early days of this event – matching needs for warehouse space, transportation, and material handling equipment with offers from businesses around the country. Additional opportunities for corporate philanthropy will arise over the coming days and months; below are some ways in which you and your business can help the Palmetto state in their recovery.

First, do no harm. Just like the Hippocratic Oath for doctors, humanitarians need to consider the impact of their actions on the community. Product donations can be a great benefit to disaster survivors, but not if they come at the expense of the long term economic health of the community. Donations of items that can be procured locally take up logistics resources that are already in short supply. Sometimes, cash really is the best gift. Information on best practices for donations is available on our website: http://alanaid.org/best-ways-to-help-disaster-survivors/

Commit Now to Act Later. Many non-profits support clean-up and recovery activities exclusively. That means that they are just starting their work – moving in teams to tear out dry wall, salvage damaged photos and heirlooms, and assist homeowners in the rebuild process. These teams will need transportation and warehouse space for building materials, tools, and supplies to use in their response for months and years to come.

Support what matters to you (and your employees). Floods are non-discriminating in their destruction, so there will be ample opportunity to donate to or volunteer with groups and causes that resonate with you and your staff.

Use your skills, talents, and expertise. As much as 80% of disaster spending goes toward logistics activities. Why not apply your money-saving, waste-reducing, logistics expertise to help improve the work of non-profits working on response and recovery activities? ALAN can help you find the perfect volunteer opportunity.

Support coordination efforts. American Logistics Aid Network works year round to build relationships so that we can quickly coordinate and facilitate logistics support when disasters occur. To do this, we rely on the generosity of individual and corporate donors who commit resources and funding to keeps us poised to respond.

If you are interested in supporting disaster relief efforts in South Carolina or elsewhere, please visit our website, www.ALANAid.org