Prep & Response
Introduction
Indiana has a vast network of organizations that come together during disaster to help the community recover. During a disaster, the OFBCI works alongside government and community organizations such as:
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)In times of disaster, the OFBCI serves as state government’s liaison to Indiana’s voluntary sector.
Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS),
Indiana Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (INVOAD)
Community Organizations Active in Disaster (COADs)
American Red Cross
OFBCI’s Role
Immediate AssistanceIn the event a local unit of government declares a state of emergency, the OFBCI activates to offer support under Emergency Service Function 14 (ESF 14). Critical to this mission is the receipt, deployment, and maintenance of immediate humanitarian aid to victims of a natural or human-intended disaster. Long Term Recovery
The OFBCI and its INVOAD partners support long-term community recovery, which include duties such as: (1) social and economic community impact assessment; (2) long-term recovery assistance to victims; and, (3) mitigation.
How We Communicate
During a disaster, the OFBCI communicates with the public through the use of social media sources like Facebook and Twitter. Visit our Contact Us page to learn how to connect. Individuals in need of disaster related services should contact Connect 2 Help or dial 211 on a phone. Community organizations, nonprofits, and volunteer groups should contact Indiana VOAD.Pre Disaster Resources
Preparing Before Natural Disasters HitExtension Disaster Education Network - Purdue Univ.
American Red Cross – Tools & Resources
Post Disaster Resources
Connect 2 Help – 211List of City/County Emergency Management Directors
Indiana Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster Resources
Resources for Individuals Affected by Disaster - (IDHS)
The Salvation Army
How You Can Help
Everyone is moved when they hear the news that disaster has struck a community. By learning the best ways to donate and volunteer, we can all make a huge difference in the lives of those affected.
Financial contributions to a recognized disaster relief organization is the most effective donation to make.
- Most needed and the most efficient way of helping those impacted by disaster.
- Allow voluntary organizations to fund response and recovery efforts, obtain goods and services locally, and provide direct financial assistance to disaster survivors to meet their own needs.
- Make a financial contribution to the voluntary organization of your choice.
- If you need help in determining who to give to, Indiana and National Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster are listed at the National Donations Management Network.
When the public supports these voluntary organizations with financial contributions, it helps ensure a steady flow of important services to the people in need after a disaster.
Volunteer with a recognized organization involved in disaster response and recovery prior to the next disaster event.
- Volunteer with a nonprofit organization and be trained before the next event to find meaningful volunteer opportunities following a disaster.
- There are many organizations and faith-based groups in your community that have active disaster programs and need volunteers.
Get training and register to volunteer at Indiana VOAD.
March 2 Recovery is seeking skilled volunteers to assist tornado victims in Southern Indiana.
The generosity and kindness of people around the country does a lot to help communities heal from the tragic consequences of disasters.
Confirm what is needed by volunteer organization BEFORE taking action!
- Donate in-kind goods that are specifically requested or needed by recognized organizations.
- Unsolicited donated goods such as used clothing, miscellaneous household items, and mixed or perishable foodstuffs require helping agencies to redirect valuable resources away from providing services to sort, package, transport, warehouse, and distribute items that may not meet the needs of disaster survivors.
- If you have a quantity of a given item or class of item to donate, and you need help in determining which organizations to give to, you can make your offer through the National Donations Management Network.
