11-11-2013, 10:34 AM
Stay strong Rudie and expect a roller coaster ride.
I've been through almost the same with my family follow Hurricane Mitch in 1998. The headlines are bringing all that back as the numbers are identical.
If the family is remote at all from the grid (ie no one important or wealthy lives next door), think about long term solution for power. It took months to get power to many areas after Mitch. A solar set up with marine batteries for storage or a wind generator are tried and true technologies. A standard generator is fast and easy but will cost a fortune in fuel - if you can find it. You may want to think about a distilling unit for water too. In the immediacy - a couple of Lifestraws may be handy.
Depending on the circumstances they face - a simple solar oven can be a great assist. They can be built from cardboard boxes and aluminum foil. Since the country is very near the equator, this would be particularly effective.
For those looking to assist - do NOT give to the American Red Cross, give directly to the International Red Cross. Following Mitch, the ARC pocketed millions because the donations did not specifically say it was for Mitch aide in Central America.
Even so there are smaller organizations that will get aide directly to the people on the ground.
Do Not send boxes of clothes, toys, water, etc... The shipping cost will be more than the donation, it will languish for weeks or months and eventually flood the used clothing market driving prices to nothing while destroying family businesses. If you can't resist cleaning out your closet, just selling your used clothes and send the cash. No one there needs your high heels or old ski jacket.
This is a been there/done that moment.
I've been through almost the same with my family follow Hurricane Mitch in 1998. The headlines are bringing all that back as the numbers are identical.
If the family is remote at all from the grid (ie no one important or wealthy lives next door), think about long term solution for power. It took months to get power to many areas after Mitch. A solar set up with marine batteries for storage or a wind generator are tried and true technologies. A standard generator is fast and easy but will cost a fortune in fuel - if you can find it. You may want to think about a distilling unit for water too. In the immediacy - a couple of Lifestraws may be handy.
Depending on the circumstances they face - a simple solar oven can be a great assist. They can be built from cardboard boxes and aluminum foil. Since the country is very near the equator, this would be particularly effective.
For those looking to assist - do NOT give to the American Red Cross, give directly to the International Red Cross. Following Mitch, the ARC pocketed millions because the donations did not specifically say it was for Mitch aide in Central America.
Even so there are smaller organizations that will get aide directly to the people on the ground.
Do Not send boxes of clothes, toys, water, etc... The shipping cost will be more than the donation, it will languish for weeks or months and eventually flood the used clothing market driving prices to nothing while destroying family businesses. If you can't resist cleaning out your closet, just selling your used clothes and send the cash. No one there needs your high heels or old ski jacket.
This is a been there/done that moment.