BBB Offers Tips To Safely Help Flood Victims In Texas, North Carolina

RALEIGH – As of Tuesday morning, news reports indicate that the devastating flooding in Central Texas has resulted in at least 100 deaths, including at least 28 children from Camp Mystic in Kerr County. More than 20 people are still missing. The massive search for survivors is still underway.

In North Carolina, Tropical Depression Chantal brought heavy rain over the weekend, causing significant flooding across the region and was blamed for three deaths in central North Carolina. For those interested in helping those impacted through charitable contributions, BBB Serving Eastern Carolinas offers the following advice.

Five Tips For Supporting Flood Victims:

• Cautions with donating goods. Donating clothing, food or other in-kind donations may not be the best way to help unless the charity has the ability to properly distribute such aid. Ask about their transportation and distribution plans.
• Find out what needs the charity is addressing. Many individuals and families in impacted areas will seek safety in shelters and need access to food and water. Charities focused on such activities serve a vital role in helping communities address natural disasters.
• Consider crowdfunding requests. If engaging in crowdfunding, it is safest to give to someone you personally know and trust. Also review the platform’s policies and procedures, keeping in mind that while some crowdfunding sites take significant measures to vet posts, others don’t.
• Recognize the phases of disaster relief. While much of the attention focuses on the first 72 hours after a disaster, charities provide vital support well beyond that period. From immediate aid to long-term recovery and preparedness, your contributions help at every stage of rebuilding. Learn more on our disaster relief and preparedness cause page.
• Verify the charity’s trustworthiness. Rely on expert opinion when it comes to evaluating a charity. We recommend giving to charities that meet all 20 of the BBB Standards for Charity Accountability found at Give.org. On Give.org we invite you to browse our A-Z list of national charities, and search thousands of charity reports while filtering charities by state, cause area, and accreditation status.

As charities begin to raise funds for the victims of the Central Texas flooding, interested donors can consider the American Red Cross, Salvation Army or Matthew 25: Ministries.

Visit Give.org for more information on reputable charities where you can donate.

For more information, visit bbb.org.