Disaster in Haiti

Yesterday's massive earthquake in Haiti and its resulting devastation and chaos has been very much on my mind today...as it has probably been on yours.  While walking my dog this morning, my neighbor -- knowing that I am in the disaster business -- asked me if I was going down to Haiti to help with relief efforts.  She remembered that I was gone for a couple of months in the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Katrina working in several parishes below New Orleans.  I was priviliged to work with Oxfam America and the Harvard Humanitarian Initiative during those crazy days when we were simulaneously doing relief efforts and trying to lay the groundwork for what would become the long term recovery efforts.  This morning I recalled the logistical challenges of limited phone service, few businesses open for supplies, and the magnitude of the disaster.  From early reports the earthquake in Haiti was going to make much of Hurricane Katrina pale in comparison. 

I wanted to go to Haiti and be helpful and to put my skills to use.  On the walk, I made my mental checklist of things I needed to do so I could be ready if my skills were needed:  call the dentist to get an old filling repaired; try to get my lapsed passport renewed quickly by calling my Congressman.  Right now, I don't need to go to Haiti.  My money does.  And I hope you might consider sending some of yours as well.  The first 72 hours after a disaster is crucial.  The focus is upon saving lives, assessing the damage, salvage, and to put in place the logistics and supply lines needed to begin recovery efforts.  I just made a gift to Oxfam America (http://www.oxfamamerica.org/) who does an excellent job at connecting in a grassroots way with community leaders and is known for their ability to bring sanitation and water supplies to devastated communities.  Mercy Corps out of Portland, OR is another outstanding organization to consider as is the American Red Cross. 

What is clear is that Haiti -- and the United States -- will be dealing with this disaster for YEARS!  In time, my disaster recovery skills in resumption and planning may be put to use as I can contribute to the rebuilding efforts of communities and businesses.  But, for now, I am sending some needed cash.  Please consider doing what you can.

And, by the way, take time to prepare at home and at your business for those mini disasters that can occur suddenly and can turn your life and business upside down.  Let me know if I can be of any help to you.  In the meantime, I will be going to the dentist and updating my passport.