Today, Hurricane Harvey is battering large parts of Texas. It is believed that a few individuals have already died and billions in property damage has occurred (Phipps et al., 2017). The federal government has joined forces with state and local authorities to minimize the damage that the hurricane will cause. Hurricane Harvey offers the opportunity for the country to evaluate its disaster response. Partnerships with non-governmental organizations are among the issues that enhance the country’s capacity to effectively contain disasters. Such organizations as the Red Cross play a vital role in shielding communities against the threat that disasters pose.
The National Response Framework (NRF) provides guidelines for disaster response. The management of NGO and volunteer organizations is one of the issues that these guidelines address. According to the NRF, NGO’s and volunteer organizations are deeply involved in disaster response. Some of the responsibilities that these organizations perform include providing shelter and humanitarian assistance to the victims of disasters and offering counseling services (DHS, 2008 p. 20). These organizations also work with local and federal authorities to deliver aid to communities with special needs such as those with disabilities. During disaster response, the NGOs and the volunteer organizations also facilitate the efforts of responders (DHS, 2008 p. 20). Other functions of NGOs involved in disaster response include the management of volunteer resources ensuring that the needs of all victims are met. It is evident that the roles that the NGOs and the volunteer groups play are vital and help to facilitate disaster response. Without the support that these organizations provide, the various levels of government would encounter tremendous challenges as they respond to disasters. The American Red Cross and the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (National VOAD) are among the key NGOs that provide humanitarian assistance to the victims of disasters (DHS, 2008 p. 20).
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As already stated, the NRF provides guidelines for disaster response. The framework outlines the functions that such organizations as the American Red Cross executes. The NRF spells out that the American Red Cross would ideally allow some of its staff to work at the regional offices of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) (DHS, n.d p. 16). Other functions of the American Red Cross that are mentioned in the NRF include providing expertise on particular subjects, offering guidance in the delivery of mass care services, coordinating the efforts of relevant government agencies, providing the public with information on such issues as disaster preparedness, offering accommodation to disaster victims and providing other forms of humanitarian assistance (DHS, n.d p. 16). It is important to note that these functions are as envisaged in the NRF and are not necessarily a true reflection of the operations of the American Red Cross.
In the event that a disaster strikes, it would be important to invite NGOs and volunteer organizations to provide support. There are dozens of such organizations in the US. Any one of these organizations would be helpful in a disaster situation. However, the Adventist Community Services (ACS) and the American Logistics Aid Network (ALAN) are the key organizations that one would want to involve in disaster response (“Descriptions of Nonprofits”, n.d). These organizations have been selected because of the remarkable contribution that they make. As part of its effort to alleviate the suffering of disaster victims, the ACS collects donations which are then distributed to the victims. This organization leverages its wide network of donors. The organization also partners with such agencies as FEMA and the American Red Cross. ALAN is primarily involved in bringing together professionals from the logistics industry who would like to offer assistance to disaster victims (“Descriptions of Nonprofits”, n.d). As is the case with the ACS, ALAN also collaborates with agencies like FEMA.
In conclusion, it is nearly impossible to prevent a disaster from occurring. Hurricane Harvey has made this clear. However, there are measures that can be taken to minimize the harm that the disasters cause. The National Response Framework spells out the responsibilities of key stakeholders in disaster response. Volunteer and non-governmental organizations are some of these stakeholders. They perform such roles as coordinating humanitarian assistance and offering counseling services. For any disaster response initiative to be successful, these organizations must be brought on board.
References
Department of Homeland Security. (2008). National Response Framework. Retrieved 30 th
August 2017 from https://www.fema.gov/pdf/emergency/nrf/nrf-core.pdf
Department of Homeland Security. (n.d). Emergency Support Function #6- Mass Care,
Emergency Assistance, Housing and Human Services Annex. Retrieved 30 th August
2017 from https://www.fema.gov/pdf/emergency/nrf/nrf-esf-06.pdf
Descriptions of Nonprofits Working in Disasters. (2008). Retrieved 30 th August 2017 from
https://www.uschamberfoundation.org/corporate-citizenship-center/descriptions-nonprofits-working-disasters
Phipps, C., Levin, S., Lartey, J. & Khomami, N. (2017). Tropical Storm Harvey: Houston
Mayor Imposes Curfew- Live. Retrieved 30 th August 2017 from
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/live/2017/aug/29/tropical-storm-harvey-trump-texas-rain-floods-louisiana-live-coverage
