Relief and Recovery: Midwest Floods

The Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), numerous federal agencies, and states and local governments continue to work together in response to ongoing flooding and in preparation for the recovery efforts that will be under way in the days, weeks and months to come.

Meanwhile, residents returning to their homes are reminded to be careful when entering areas affected by the flooding. Floods often leave behind exposed electrical wires, contaminated floodwater and weakened structures. These are not always obvious, but can be life-threatening. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is advising people to throw away food that may not be safe to eat and disinfect water if instructed to do so by local health authorities.

Focus Turns to Recovery Efforts in the Midwest as Response Continues in Some Areas
Donations for Flood Victims Made Easy: Contact National Donations Management Network
President Bush Visits Iowa City, Iowa, Discusses Aid for Flooding
President Bush Tours Iowa Flood Damage
President Bush Briefed on Midwest Flooding
President Bush Sends Condolences to Victims of Flooding
FEMA Coordinates Federal Response to Midwest Disasters
National Service Battles Midwestern Floods
American Red Cross: Residents in Central United States Urged to Register with Safe and Well
Organizations: National Service Resources for Disaster Preparedness and Response

For more information on how to assist by volunteering or donating to the relief and recovery effort:

Click Here to Find a Volunteer Opportunity

Volunteer: AmeriCorps VISTA Seeking 230 Members To Assist in Iowa Flood Recovery
Donate Now: Aidmatrix / National Donations Management Network
Donate Now: American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund
Donate Now: Goodwill
Donate Now: Iowa Flood Relief Center
Donate Now: Network for Good
Donate Now: Salvation Army

Additional information:

Find Family and Friends	How to Get Help
Health and Safety	What Government is Doing

June is Great Outdoors Month

President Bush has proclaimed June 2008 as “Great Outdoors Month.” In support of Great Outdoors Month, USA Freedom Corps is supporting events across the country to award deserving volunteers the President’s Volunteer Service Award.

During Great Outdoors Month, our Nation celebrates the grandeur of our open spaces, strengthens our commitment to preserving this heritage, and reaffirms our dedication to protecting our air, water, and lands. In support of Great Outdoors Month, June 14th has been designated National Get Outdoors Day, which is a new annual event to encourage healthy, active outdoor fun. On June 14, 2008, participants from dozens of federal agencies, non-profit organizations and the recreation industry will offer sites for American families to experience traditional and non-traditional types of outdoor activities. Prime goals of the day are reaching first-time visitors to public lands and reconnecting our youth to the many exciting volunteer opportunities in the great outdoors.

Learn more
Presidential Proclamation: Great Outdoors Month 2008

Volunteer Opportunity Spotlight: Meals on Wheels

Due to rising gas prices, 58% of Meals on Wheels programs responding to a recent survey reported that they had lost volunteers. These programs have traditionally relied on hundreds of thousands of volunteers each day to make meal deliveries to the homes of clients and to check in on these isolated individuals. Nearly half (48.3%) of the programs responding indicated that increases in gas prices had forced them to eliminate meal delivery routes or to consolidate their meal services.

Learn more about Meals on Wheels