Disaster In Japan: How You Can Help
DETROIT (WWJ) - Metro Detroit is closely watching the aftermath of the overnight earthquake that rocked Japan. And, with a disaster of this size, many are asking "what can I do to help?"
WWJ Newsradio 950 spoke with Glen Hendrix, the Emergency Services Director for Southeast Michigan, who said assistance is already on the way to those affected on our nation's west coast.
"In Washington D.C., our operations center has been activated, as it relates to the coast, and also to keep an eye out on events. They're doing an assessment on the ground and mobilizing the forces and we're getting ready to go," Hendrix said.
Hendrix said that, before we ship assistance overseas, first a request must come from Japan.
"Before we'd send anything from the United States, there'd have to be a call from the Japanese Red Cross, which I might add, is a very organized process, and they handle their business very well," he said.
The American Red Cross and The Salvation Army have set up funds to help those affected by Friday's earthquake and tsunami in Japan.
If you would like to make a donation to the American Red Cross log onto http://www.redcross.org/en/. You can also text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
The Salvation Army has also set up four ways you can donate to their disaster relief efforts in Japan:
- Text the words "Japan" or "Quake" to 80888 to make a $10 donation.
- By phone: 1-800-SAL-ARMY
- On-line at: www.disaster.salvationarmyusa.org.
- By mail: Send your check, marked "Japan earthquake relief" to: The Salvation Army World Service Office, International Relief Fund, PO Box 630728, Baltimore, MD 21263-072800.
