"chip" wrote in message
nk.net...

I did much disaster-assistance work back in the 60s&70s when I was a ham
radio operator and am aware that it's easy to want to help and easy to
get in the way of those who know what they're doing, as well.

From the President of the American Radio Relay League, which coordinates the
disaster-assistance work of radio amateurs:

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"I know many people would like to move now," Haynie said. "Please don't. I
know many of you want to enter the fray, come to the coast and get involved.
Please, not yet." Haynie instead advised hams eager to assist to make sure
they're prepared, refresh their skills and knowledge of protocols and
procedures and let emergency management and relief agencies determine who is
needed and where.

"For now, the area is simply too dangerous and no one is being allowed in,"
Haynie went on to say. "Transportation and logistics, including volunteer
groups coming in, must be done in an orderly manner or we may only add to
the chaos and confusion."

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I worked for some time with a regional dive/rescue team with guys who are
amateur operators in addition to being veterans of military special-ops
units, guys who have "go-gear" packed to live independent of outside support
for anywhere from 10-14 days, who have trailers packed at all times to head
for disaster areas. They're staying at home until they actually have a
mission.

THis disaster is more than huge. The government-declared disaster area is
said to be equal in size to England. That's way more than huge. Even
people who know what they're doing are overwhelmed.

It's frustrating not to be able to join the effort. For now, we can donate
to the Red Cross and other relief agencies, and that is about all.