Flylady's Hurricane Relief Advice

The Flylady is a great organizer who has helped thousands of people take control of their lives one step at a time. She is a great help to many and now she has some great advice for how to help in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

The best answer besides prayer and good thoughts at this point is to donate money. People are hungry and dehydrated right this minute and the quickest and most efficient way to enable aid groups to help the hurting is to supply them the money to make bulk purchases for easy transport to the areas that need help. If you have $5 to spare, please consider making a donation to one of the big three aid agencies: The Red Cross, Salvation Army, and United Way. Be sure to specify that you want your funds to go to the areas ravaged by Hurricane Katrina if that's your wish.

Many of you wish to donate your excess belongings. Most areas near the storm damaged areas have no place to store and distribute clothing and blankets at this time. In my area, only the local Air Force Base and a large shelter have asked for donations of clothing and blankets to help those who are seeking shelter here. Other relief efforts are seeking goods such as diaper wipes, diapers, formula, bug repellent, bottled water, canned food and drinks, tarps, flash lights, C and D batteries, sunscreen, large garbage bags, bandages and personal hygiene items. If you can, by all means give your extra belongings when asked... and if you have storm refugees in your area you will be asked. But for immediate relief in the storm stricken areas, please try to send a monetary donation to the charities mentioned above as soon as possible.

Another way that we can all help during this crisis is to conserve fuel and energy. Floridians have been asked by their governor to voluntarily reduce the amount of gas they use and to conserve energy to avoid rationing. I think this would be a good idea for the whole nation during these trying times. Stick to your Weekly Plan and combine errands. Eat more meals at home. Use the air conditioning a little less. Turn off your lights, tv, and other appliances when they aren't in use. Carpool.