Self Depolyment or Volunteering?

So, I had an interesting "dialogue" today, via Facebook pposts, on the topic on "self deploying" to Joplin (or any other disaster). It's always true that people want to help in the aftermath of a crisis, for a variety of reason: pure, unselfish compulsion to help; guilt for not doing enough; and, yes, self-glorification. But, the question is, should you just rush in?

Let's begin by acknowledging that every disaster is, at first, a local event. And, we should recognize that, in almost every case, the true "first responder" is Joe (or Joan) Citizen. He or she is right there, as, or shortly after, the "thing" happens. God bless those people! Many a person has been saved because somebody ACTED instead of WAITED. I'm all about that. But, as good as you may be at CPR, when the Thoracic Surgeon arrives, you need to step politely aside. That's where we draw the line.

In every disaster that I've been involved in, there have been hordes of folks streaming in to help. Tons of ice, thousands of bandaids, gazillions of stuffed animals - all delivered from the heart. In the course of delivering them, however, the cars and trucks have clogged the limited thoroughfares needed for ambulances, police cars, firetrucks and utility vehicles (themselves staffed with volunteers, in many cases).

Don't take me wrong - I was born with the heart of a volunteer. I honor that spirit more than I can express. What I'm saying is, take that wondrous spirit and TRAIN IT, by becoming a member of your local CERT (Community Emergency Response Team), or volunteer EMT, or volunteer firefighter. Then, affiliate yourself with a mission-oriented team. That way, when the "bad thing" happens, you can become a part of an organized response fabric.

In every emergency, everyone involved, victim or responder, have needs that must be filled - food, shelter, medical care, emotional care. Unless you are part of the organized effort, working toward the goals of the greater mission, then you are a part of the problem. The responders will likely wind up having to worry about you, along with the primary victims of the event.

Please don't let that happen. Get involved - but first, get organized! Until then, let the professionals do their work.