The outpouring of support for those working to help the victims of the terrorist attacks in New York and Washington is typical of the sincere, heartfelt efforts of Americans who want to do something to help. However, the number of people who are going to the disaster areas on their own initiative has begun to create problems for the emergency responders who have the monumental task of searching for survivors and recovering the dead.

N.C. Emergency Management is in direct contact with New York and Virginia through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact team at FEMA Operations in Washington, DC. Neither state has issued a request for additional resources. The New York and Virginia Emergency Management agencies have asked their fellow state agencies to get the word out to local emergency responders to work within the established system of incident command. Volunteers should NOT go to New York City or Washington unless they have been asked to do so by one of the agencies coordinating the relief efforts.

The Office of State Fire Marshal is keeping track of resources in this state that would be available if requests are made. If a firefighter, EMT or rescue squad member wants to get their name on the list, they can call 919-733-2142.

The N.C. State Emergency Response Team and national officials recommend that those who want to do something to help should continue to donate blood or money to the American Red Cross. The contact information is:

1-800-GIVE LIFE (1-800-448-3543) to schedule blood donations
1-800-HELP NOW (1-800-435-7669) for monetary donations

People may also want to contact the following agencies about making memorial contributions in memory of the emergency responders who died in the collapse of the World Trade Center towers:

National Fallen Firefighters Foundation www.firehero.org
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Foundation www.nleomf.com
Concerns of Police Survivors www.nationalcops.org

If you have any questions, please call my office at 919-733-5027.