For instance, a few reputable organizations that are currently providing wildfire relief in the western U. S. include Direct Relief, Save the Children, Heart to Heart International, and the Oregon and California Community Foundations. [2] X Research source Many of these organizations also aid wildfire victims outside the U. S. For example, Direct Relief and Global Giving are both highly rated organizations that are currently raising funds to address the wildfire crisis in Australia.

Your recurring contributions can help cover a wide variety of costs associated with rebuilding after a fire. For instance, the money may go towards building affordable housing, restoring important community services (such as water and sanitation), and helping individuals and small businesses get back on their feet. [4] X Research source

Try searching for reviews of the organization or campaign, or do a search with their name and the word “scam” to see what comes up. You can also try contacting the person in charge of the campaign directly and asking them questions about how your donation will be used.

If you want to give goods, it’s usually best to donate to local organizations. For example, local shelters, food banks, schools, community centers, or places of worship might be looking for canned food, furniture, toys and books, or gently used clothes. Keep in mind that even organizations that normally accept material donations might have temporarily changed their policies due to COVID safety concerns. For instance, as of August 2021, the Oregon Food Bank is only accepting cash donations from individual donors (although they’re still accepting corporate food donations).

Check the Red Cross Volunteer Role Finder database to find local opportunities: https://www. redcross. org/volunteer/volunteer-role-finder. html If you have any special skills or training, look for ways to use them. For instance, in the U. S. , if you have CERT (Community Emergency Response Teams) training, you can help with search and rescue and other emergency response operations. [8] X Research source

In the U. S. , you typically need to be at least 17 years old and in good health to donate blood. You can find more information about donor eligibility requirements on the Red Cross website. [10] X Trustworthy Source Red Cross Blood Donation Services Website run by the Red Cross Organization providing information about how and where to donate blood safely Go to source If you don’t want to donate to the Red Cross, consider giving blood at a local blood bank or hospital. You can also donate through organizations such as Vitalant, AABB, or America’s Blood Centers.

Humans aren’t the only ones in need of temporary homes after a wildfire. You might also offer to foster rescued pets, or watch pets for people staying in shelters or transitional housing where animals aren’t allowed. Reach out to your local Humane Society, pet shelter, or rescue organization to find out how you can help.

You can also volunteer with organizations that offer emotional support to disaster survivors, such as the Red Cross, the Medical Reserve Corps, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, and Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOADs). [14] X Research source

The Oregon Department of Human Services offers printable flyers with information about government assistance for wildfire survivors. [15] X Trustworthy Source State of Oregon Official website for the State of Oregon Go to source The California Department of Insurance has put together a list of resources specific to wildfire-related insurance issues. [16] X Research source If you know someone affected by wildfires in British Columbia, you can direct them to one of the local Emergency Support Services reception centers listed on the Emergency Info BC website. [17] X Research source