911 CARES Response to the Katrina Hurricane Relief

911 CARES started its response to Katrina on August 31st . We even have a 911 CARES staff member on scene in St Tammany Parish helping with dispatching, logistics and stress debriefings.

You need to know that we have spoken to numerous 9-1-1 PSAPS and in most cases, it is worse than what network television is covering. Most news coverage focuses on New Orleans and Biloxi but there are remote areas that have literally been wiped from the earth. Many dispatch centers have had no relief. Mutual aid is there from Police and Fire but dispatch aid is slow due to a number of clogs in the request procedures. Texas and NC TERT (Telecommunicator Emergency Response Teams) are willing and willing to respond. If you are thinking of going down on your own, please consider the potential risks and DO NOT respond unless you have prior approval from a PSAP you are responding to.

Below is an updated version of an e-mail we sent out earlier. We have updated it as of 9-3-05 to reflect the immediate needs .

Dear Friends of 911 CARES,

PLEASE pass this e-mail to friends and fellow public safety workers. We also ask that you print and POST this e-mail in your dispatch center.  Please get the support of your fellow dispatchers, friends and first responders during this activation. As you know, we are ALL part of the public safety family and we are going to need a huge response to make a dent in the Katrina tragedy. 911 CARES needs your help to make a difference. 9-1-1 professionals have surely been saving lives each moment during this national tragedy. It's our turn to help them to re-build their lives.

President Bush and Governor Barbour have both agreed that the devastation is overwhelming. I'm sure we will hear stories later that will stun us. Let's not wait for those stories. We need to get help on the way now. Please join me in helping to provide financial and emotional support to our fellow 911 professionals. We have confirmed that many 9-1-1 centers have failed due to a Bell South switch issue. This means neighboring centers are being slammed with calls outside of their jurisdiction.

As you know 911 CARES provides emotional and appreciation support for 9-1-1 professionals. We're sure that some of our fellow dispatchers have lost their homes, belongings and god forbid, family members. Please get the ball rolling and start a local collection of funds and items. All of the items you donate and collect will go directly to impacted dispatch centers and public safety agencies. From the experiences of last year in Florida , we know that many dispatch families have lost many or all of their belongings.

PLEASE start collecting items now! Look at the list below and see how you can help. We will post additional specific needs next over the next few days but we want you to get a jump start on gathering items now so we can deploy resources once we identify the areas of greatest needs! Take a look below and see how you can help!

• Money is the #1 need. It is always useful – we now have a direct donation link on the 911 CARES site. Funds collected will help 9-1-1 professionals with buying essentials. This allows dispatchers to help pay for fuel, lodging, clothing and meals that they need for their family. It also pays for medical related needs or medication needed.
• Gift Cards #2 priority (updated as of Sept 3rd) Wal Mart is the most popular store and they have an amazing distribution center. Over 50 stores a day are being replenished with vital supplies. Please go to your local Wal-Mart and buy a gift card of any amount. They are EASY to mail and easy to redeem.

We will send funds as we get them. This will allow dispatchers to buy essentials that are impractical to mail. We absolutely know that some dispatchers have lost everything but they are still working in their respective dispatch centers unable to access their losses. We want monies to be ready once those agencies confirm losses and ask for 911 CARES help. If you prefer to collect money and send a check; make checks payable to 911 CARES - Katrina Relief. Mail checks to the address below. You can also make a direct VISA or MasterCard donation by calling 800-348-8911 and Lisa or Catherine can handle your phone donation. We are in the office from 0730-1600 daily. Money is the preferred way to help but we are aware that getting a collection of clothes and other items is great. See below for ideas of items needed. This list comes from our friends in the area and from the Red Cross.

• Clothing – remember it is humid and warm this time of year and most air conditioning is not working. New or gently used clothing and shoes will be welcome. Don't forget baby clothing, kids clothing and accessories like hats, socks, etc. Blankets for the night will be helpful and appreciated. 911 CARES will be sending a large batch of t-shirts from our 911 CARES product line. Remember, most people have no running water so there is no ability to clean or launder clothing. How about sending a few of your agency baseball hats or t-shirts? Remember, these items are going to “our family” of dispatchers and responders.

Update as of Sept 3rd. DO NOT just clean out your closet. be mindful of what you send. It is costly to ship bulky items so imagine what is needed and only send those items.

• Kid stuff – toys, games, sports stuff, arts/crafts, books and activities. The shelters are overwhelmed and kids are getting anxious as you can imagine. Some dispatch centers have allowed staff to bring their families into the various 9-1-1 centers and you can understand how the kids want to play. There are also centers operating on generator power and they do have VCR's and DVD's. Send what you can. We just got an updated request. There is a great shortage of diapers! Stuffed animals are being requested also. They bring great support to any child!
• Food - For the most part, the Red Cross and other charities are handling essentials. Powdered milk, treats and snacks may be better than sending heavy items like water and other staples. We'll leave most food items to the pros like he Red Cross and Americares.
• Additional Needs – Mosquito repellant. Due to all the standing water, this is a HUGE necessity! Items like purell, handi-wipes, Sun Screen, band aides, minor medical supplies, cold packs, flash lights, batteries and camping lanterns. Do not send flammable items! Just watch TV and imagine what you would want to receive and you won't go wrong!
• Emotional support – get your kids busy writing letters, drawing pictures and other artwork. In the aftermath of September 11th, some of the most appreciated items were the kids efforts. PLEASE pass this e-mail on to your kids teachers or churches, let's start a big effort to help! Emotional appreciation is essential right now!
• Vendors and Commercial Members – Please pass this to your corporate donation representative. Let's support those that we benefit from. Any donation will be greatly appreciated!

Here is an outstanding example of 911 CARES in action.

WHERE TO SEND THINGS:
For now, we will facilitate your donations at 911 CARES. Once mail and UPS are more stable, we will provide a list of specific centers but right now due to communications failures, it's too soon for that. Please send items to:

PSTC 911 CARES – Katrina Relief
230 Twin Dolphin Drive #C
Redwood City , CA 94065

650-595-5202 is our phone number if you are sending via Fed Ex or UPS (we suggest UPS ground as it is less expensive and secure)

Call us if you have a large (50 pounds of more) and we will send you a distribution location and instructions. Call Catherine x105 or Kevin x102 at 800-348-8911.

By sending items to us, it allows us to distribute items based on need. We will post agency addresses later but by having us distribute items, it ensures nobody gets left out. PLEASE make sure you include a card or note in your donation so that we have something to give the agency. Include your agency name, address, phone # or e-mail in case they want to contact you or thank you later. We promise that EVERY gift, card, donation or item of support will be distributed. 911 CARES turns 100% of the donation you make to the area of need. We do not take ANY administrative costs from your donation!

For additional updates, visit www.911cares.com or www.pstc911.com and join our yahoo groups. We will post updates there as often as possible.

Call PSTC – 911 CARES if you know of specific dispatch centers in need or of ideas we haven't included. We are getting e-mails and calls from many agencies. Thanks in advance for your support. Your support of your brothers and sisters of the 9-1-1 family is inspiring!

Kevin Willett and the 911 CARES family!

PSTC - Public Safety Training Consultants & 911 CARES
WK: 650-591-7911 x 102
FAX: 650-591-8911
PGR: 800-880-5277
E-mail: kevin@pstc911.com
PO Box 5508 - Redwood City , CA 94063