Help Your Neighbor: Reach Out to Those Affected by Hurricane Irene

I know I am one of the lucky ones. While I had to deal with some minor inconveniences at home and at work due to Hurricane Irene, like having no internet or phones, I do have power, water and no major damage to property.  

Like many, I made the necessary preparations before the Hurricane, extra batteries, non-perishable foods, etc. But there are also many who tried but could not prepare properly due to needed items being sold out everywhere!

Because I was one of the lucky ones, I have now been reaching out to people I know and work with who are without power.  I’ve offered my home as a place for a warm shower and to make a hot meal (and TV for their kids!), as well as the few extra batteries and other items I don’t need right now.  Those of you who have power and water can do the same for your neighbors and others you know. 

You can offer to let your friends and neighbors charge their cell phones at your home.  It would also be fantastic for those of you with power and who have a generator they are not using and/or have extra gas to lend your generator to someone who needs it or to give your extra gas to someone who has a generator but whose gas supply is dwindling. 

These are just a few ways to help others, and I’m sure many of you can think of other ways as well. The important thing is that if you are able, now is a good time to reach out and lend a hand. Now is a good time to Live United!