After Rita hits

Beyond Belief · #1 09-23-2005, 05:59 AM

We are definitely going to be faced with helping the survivors of this monster storm. We know we are going to have to continue to make donations to Red Cross and the Salvation Army to help with the relief. There is almost alway a local effort to collect clothes, food, and personal hygiene goods to take by truck to the affected areas.
What I was wondering if rather than haphazard donations if a specific list of a survival kit could be determined and every person donating prepare a box with those survival items in the that box which could be distributed to those in need. The distribution would be easier and everything would be there in one box. Or if the large grocery store chains prepared the boxed items and people donating could purchase that box for distribution for a specified fee.
Any ideas?

poco · #2 09-23-2005, 06:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beyond Belief

We are definitely going to be faced with helping the survivors of this monster storm. We know we are going to have to continue to make donations to Red Cross and the Salvation Army to help with the relief. There is almost alway a local effort to collect clothes, food, and personal hygiene goods to take by truck to the affected areas.
What I was wondering if rather than haphazard donations if a specific list of a survival kit could be determined and every person donating prepare a box with those survival items in the that box which could be distributed to those in need. The distribution would be easier and everything would be there in one box. Or if the large grocery store chains prepared the boxed items and people donating could purchase that box for distribution for a specified fee.
Any ideas?

Sound like a good idea - now, to put the plan into action --- what items would you think would be needed in such a "kit". Probably have to be a pretty big "KIT".

Maybe they should start making them up ahead of time - for the next "big one" - not to be a pessimist!

Beyond Belief · #3 09-23-2005, 06:23 AM

canned meat,
vegetables,
canned milk,
canned fruit,
2 rolls toilet paper
plastic forks
paper plates
can opener

Factory type set up with a conveyor belt could whip these up quickly.
Rather than transporting clothing to these areas, Good Will industries should take care of that.

poco · #4 09-23-2005, 06:29 AM

Okay, what do military personnel take when they go into the field???? I am sure they have some type of "kit" they take....

poco · #5 09-23-2005, 06:32 AM

Here ya go BB, they already have them made up for ya!!!!

http://www.geoduck.com/epicenter/ord...id=%%cart_id%%

Now get these things distributed.....

(Ya know, not to be an A-hole, and not to capitalize on this whole thing, but think how much money you could make in some of those car lines waiting to go nowhere in Texas right now - you could set up hot dog stands, drink stands, sell newspapers, sell these kits, whatever).

Beyond Belief · #6 09-23-2005, 06:34 AM

Military take ready to eat meals. Fema distributes them, but the other agencies distribute haphazard plastic bags of goods. Volunteers pack them. Preboxed items would ship easier and guarantee people were getting what they needed.

Beyond Belief · #7 09-23-2005, 06:39 AM

that true poco. i remember returning to florida after frances. all the gas stations and rest stops were closed when you got to florida. we had 8 gallons in our truck. no one needed it on the road, but we did when we got back home. tons of cars were stopped at a closed gas station, people actually looking for bathrooms, my husband and i stood with a blanket so the kids could go in privacy. It was all very orderly, as was the drive.

Beyond Belief · #8 09-23-2005, 06:43 AM

You know, all the red cross or the salvation has to do is request listed items be packed in a certain way and the public would respond. most floridians already have this items assembled for our own emergency kits. we could all just go buy ourselves some more.

a sensible campaign in florida could have to this put together in 48 hours and on the road.

poco · #9 09-23-2005, 06:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beyond Belief

that true poco. i remember returning to florida after frances. all the gas stations and rest stops were closed when you got to florida. we had 8 gallons in our truck. no one needed it on the road, but we did when we got back home. tons of cars were stopped at a closed gas station, people actually looking for bathrooms, my husband and i stood with a blanket so the kids could go in privacy. It was all very orderly, as was the drive.

Hmm, then maybe it's not a good idea to include water and/or drinks in the kits.

Read above, where I said they already sell these type of supply kits on line - we could buy a bunch and sell them for like $100 - whatdoyathink ??? (just kidding)

Beyond Belief · #10 09-23-2005, 06:49 AM

Fema provides water and ice. Lots of it.

Mabel · #11 09-23-2005, 09:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beyond Belief

Fema provides water and ice. Lots of it.

Yep. They sent 200 truckloads of ice intended for Katrina victims to Maine. No one knows why.

http://ksdk.com/news/us_world_articl...?storyid=85020

poco · #12 09-23-2005, 09:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mabel

Yep. They sent 200 truckloads of ice intended for Katrina victims to Maine. No one knows why.

http://ksdk.com/news/us_world_articl...?storyid=85020

It's so reassuring to know we have their help and support!!!

What kinda space cadets were driving these trucks, anyway?????

Mabel · #13 09-23-2005, 09:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by poco

What kinda space cadets were driving these trucks?????

The truck drivers were just doing what they were told (and paid) to do. Can you imagine the bill FEMA will get for sending all those trucks to Maine? The cost of fuel alone has to be more than the ice is worth, not to mention what the storage costs must be.

Beyond Belief · #14 09-23-2005, 12:33 PM

Thats interesting. Do you have any suggestions how to help? There's millions of people who in 24 hrs are going to go through the nightmare of their life, if they live through it.