The energy and positivity have been infectious and this is spurring a lot more people down the volunteering route.
Chennai stands tall on the shoulders of volunteers who have and continue to do selfless work in helping with rescue, relief and now rehabilitation efforts in these trying times. Several of them are first-time volunteers and also those who have been rescued from the floods themselves. The energy and positivity have been infectious and this is spurring a lot more people down the volunteering route.
Here is a list of things to remember if you are volunteering:
1. Volunteering for a natural disaster is very different from volunteering at an NGO. First-time volunteers must be open to taking instructions from relief centre managers or other experienced coordinators. Do not deviate from routes, plans and distribution instructions.
2. Volunteers are requested not to display or disburse supplies if relief work is already in progress in an affected area. This could lead to pandemonium and a stampede, since it creates a perception of perceived shortage. There have been several reports of mobbing and theft of relief material.
3. Safety in numbers is essential for volunteers. It is recommended that volunteers travel in groups so that help is at hand if the situation demands so. Simple logistical issues of organising crowds, relaying information, any support in case of untoward incidents, are all easier when done in groups.
4. A special note of caution for women. Sadly, they also need to take shelter in larger groups since there have been isolated incidents of drunk men misbehaving with women volunteers.
5. When volunteers reach flood-affected areas, they are to cooperate with local police, NDRF and defence personnel on the ground. It would be tempting for volunteers to get on boats and hand out relief materials themselves, but refrain from doing so without instructions. The last thing we want is for volunteers to get stranded and take bandwidth away from rescue operations.
6. Volunteers, especially those engaged in food preparation and distribution must have hand sanitizers handy for regular disinfection. Masks and gloves for all volunteers would go a long way in curbing infections.
7. Volunteers engaged in on-field work must ensure that their legs and feet are fully covered. Those who have been exposed to standing in stagnating water or cuts and bruises must take tetanus shots. These must be taken within 48 hours of exposure.
The author is HR professional and has been working with her family in relief efforts in Chennai over the last few days.
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