We can't escape either the Colorado wildfires or the coverage of the fires. It's horrific and so many of us want to help, to make a difference because we're saddened by what we see, and the smoke we smell all over the state. It's our families and friends impacted by this natural disaster.
Living here for 13 years, both in the South Metro area and in South-Central Colorado I'm all too aware of the dangers this summer, unlike anything any of us can remember.
Good people want to help out. Lots of folks are just driving up to shelters and other areas with food, blankets, water and all sorts of stuff. While your hearts are in the right place, your efforts aren't.
As a journalist I've covered everything from forest fires, to hurricanes to floods. No matter how quick we'd be to the scene, the Red Cross was always there first. They'd be set-up and ready to feed, clothe and shelter folks along with being a great conduit of information for all those impacted.
The Red Cross is good at this sort of thing and have the communication pipelines in place with authorities to do the best job. They know the needs and provide them.
The brave crews on the front lines are taken care of, they have what they need to do their job, to eat and a place to sleep. Many of the victims of course, don't.
What can we do? Donate money. It's simple, easy and the most effective way for the Red Cross to get what's needed to those in need and where they need it. Donating money also keeps us out of the way. Disaster scenes are chaotic, but those on the scene are trained professionals. To pull up in the family car with a load of stuff doesn't help. You're simply in the way of people trying to do their jobs.
So grab your credit card or checkbook and donate. It's the best thing we can do.
Brian Olson
Owner/Consultant
Conversation Starters Public Relations
Living here for 13 years, both in the South Metro area and in South-Central Colorado I'm all too aware of the dangers this summer, unlike anything any of us can remember.
Good people want to help out. Lots of folks are just driving up to shelters and other areas with food, blankets, water and all sorts of stuff. While your hearts are in the right place, your efforts aren't.
As a journalist I've covered everything from forest fires, to hurricanes to floods. No matter how quick we'd be to the scene, the Red Cross was always there first. They'd be set-up and ready to feed, clothe and shelter folks along with being a great conduit of information for all those impacted.
The Red Cross is good at this sort of thing and have the communication pipelines in place with authorities to do the best job. They know the needs and provide them.
The brave crews on the front lines are taken care of, they have what they need to do their job, to eat and a place to sleep. Many of the victims of course, don't.
What can we do? Donate money. It's simple, easy and the most effective way for the Red Cross to get what's needed to those in need and where they need it. Donating money also keeps us out of the way. Disaster scenes are chaotic, but those on the scene are trained professionals. To pull up in the family car with a load of stuff doesn't help. You're simply in the way of people trying to do their jobs.
So grab your credit card or checkbook and donate. It's the best thing we can do.
Brian Olson
Owner/Consultant
Conversation Starters Public Relations
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