How can I help?

[Michelle Latham]

I know I'm only one person...and I'm not much besides a Probie firefighter/EMT so I'm not expecting to make a huge difference - I just want to go and lend a hand in some way. Does anyone know who I could contact about helping the firefighters in NYC during Christmas break? I'd gladly give up my vacation to lend a hand to my brothers and sisters down there in New York - even if it's just grunt work.
Thanks!

[hctrouble25]

Michelle:

Until they ask for more help we can only wait. They are not allowing volunteers into the city now because there are so many of us there. My Rescue Squad is going there tonight into tomorrow, unfortunately I can't make it. I will go with the next round though. Believe me in the next few months they will need lots of volunteers and we will all be there to help.

[MetalMedic]

Michelle, Contact your local FEMA and/or Red Cross and let them know your avialability and what skills you may have to offer. They are keeping lists of resources in case the call ever does go out for releif workers in New York City or Washington, DC. By doing this, you will be a step ahead of others. If you are never called, you can at least take comfort in knowing that you offered.

In the meantime, donate blood and if you can, donate money to ANY of the relief funds where it will certainly be needed.

[Michelle Latham]

Yeah I did call the Red Cross but they only want trained Red Cross workers. How do I get ahold of FEMA? Maybe they'll consider me as a firefighter/EMT volunteer. I'm thinking that if it's going to take as long as they say it will take to clean up the WTC then the poor FDNY firefighters are going to be totally worn out! I'd like to help in any way - even if that means helping them with chores around their fire stations. I don't care!
I don't want to give my name to some organization that's just going to file it away and forget about it. Who can I get ahold of that will take my offer of help seriously? Will FEMA do that? If so, do you have any clue how I can get ahold of FEMA? Thanks!!!!!!