What Should I Do after a Disaster? (Soft Assistance, Part 1)

This is the first of three articles about ways to respond following a disaster.

A disaster has occurred in your town or nearby. As a Red Nose Responder, you ask yourself: "What should I do?” "How can I help?" Keep in mind that RNR responders are NOT first or second responders. Here are the steps you should take:

Wait and Listen

Relate and Communicate

Prepare Yourself

Restock Grab and Go

Dress and Go

Let me describe what these 5 steps mean.

Wait and Listen

Do not expect to go out the door immediately upon hearing of the disaster. WAIT a few days. Keep in mind that search and rescue / recovery are vital from first responders; and waiting is imperative for organizing relief assistance. While you are waiting, tune in and listen for updating of directives from local television, radio, or Internet.

Relate and Communicate

Find locations through local media where relief agencies will be setting up. Look for a distribution center. Usually, this takes place within two to three days after the disaster. Many times this will be a parking lot. So, what is a distribution center? It's a place where bottled water, dry ice, supplies, and relief organizational booths can be found. (This is the place where YOU can jump in and soft assist. No need to ask permission.) Once you are aware of this information, go online to the RNR Facebook page and post it. Tell of your intention to assist. This is also a good place to ask other responders in your area to contact you. Communication is important at this point. YOU become our eyes and ears for what is going on locally.

Prepare Yourself

You might want to read up on Psychological First Aid and examine your understanding of soft assistance. Listening, caring, and compassion are key. You are going to use the heart and soul of your clown to bring smiles in times of disasters. It is important to have a feeling of empathy accompanied by a strong desire to alleviate the suffering. One important point! Remember to never say, "I know how you feel." You don't know. Take time out to contemplate the psychological side of you. Don't forget to hydrate (drink plenty of water) in advance to prepare your body physically.

Restock Grab and Go Bag

This is the time to check your Grab and Go Bag. Does it need to be stocked with necessary tools of the trade: stickers, face paint, napkin paper roses, pocket magic, puppets, bubbles, etc.?

Dress and Go

What should you wear? We strongly suggest you DO NOT dress in full clown on your first visit. We recommend very little or no make-up. Wear a bright shirt or vest, clowny or colorful street shoes, and a foam nose. When you have all your information in hand, you can leave knowing you are well prepared. You want to remember to go in "Low and Slow." Don't try to make a big entrance. Take your time. Be logical.