Five Tips to Avoid Haiti Relief Scams
The aftermath of natural disasters often bring out the scammers and con artists. Here are five tips to avoid Haiti relief scams and make sure your donations make a difference.
Within 24 hours of the Haitian earthquake, scammers were at work trying to profit from the disaster. The scams ranged from e-mails asking donors for help to phone calls soliciting funds to phony relief websites harvesting credit card numbers.
Whenever there is a natural disaster, there are two things you can count on, says Art Taylor, president of the Better Business Bureau's (BBB) Wise Giving Alliance, a nonprofit consumer group. "The first is the generosity of Americans to donate time and money to help victims, and the second is the appearance of poorly run, and in some cases fraudulent, charities," he says in a statement on the group's Website.
More than 400 Internet addresses related to Haiti have been registered since Monday's devastating quake, Internet security expert Joel Esler told ABC News. Some of those websites may be legitimate, but many others are fraudulent.
"Not only do Americans need to be concerned about avoiding fraud, they also need to make sure their money goes to competent relief organizations that are equipped and experienced to handle the unique challenges of providing assistance," Taylor says.
Here are five tips, culled from information from the Federal Bureau of Investigations and the Better Business Bureau, to ensure your donation reaches its destination:
* Stick to well-known, reputable charities. The American Institute of Philanthropy recently published their list of top Haiti relief organizations, and Charity Navigator evaluates charities with a four-star rating system. The BBB also accredits charities based on fund-raising practices and how the charities spend the funds.
* Be cautious when donating online. Scammers can put up a website and open a PayPal account overnight, so be wary of donating on sites you don't recognize. Also remember that most nonprofit groups' Websites end in .org rather than .com. Don't respond to unsolicited e-mails, and don't click links or open attachments from people you don't know since they may contain computer viruses.
* Donate to organizations, not individuals. Be skeptical of individuals who approach you - in person, on phone, or via e-mail - asking for money. Some may pose as an official or represent a charity.
* Check the charity out. Find out if it has on-the-ground presence in Haiti, and ask how your funds will be used. If a charity doesn't already have staff in Haiti, it may find it difficult or take a long time to provide immediate assistance.
* Give money, not food, clothing, or equipment. Although well intentioned, donations of food and clothing are inefficient ways to help victims quickly, when transportation and distribution are taken into account. Give money and let the experts determine how best to use it.
Finally, if you think you've been scammed, you can file a complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center (if the scam was online) or with the National Fraud Information Center if the scam was over the phone or online.
WINTER STORM TRAVEL TIPS
FRAMINGHAM, MA – The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency recommends that if at all possible, avoid driving during and immediately after the storm. It is recommended that you take advantage of Public Transportation.
For those who must be on the road:
- Have a well-stocked Winter Emergency Car Kit.
- Keep your gas tank at least half-full.
- Make sure that you have good winter tires with adequate tread and pressure.
- Keep a windshield scraper and small broom for ice and snow removal. Keep all windows clear of snow and ice and keep your headlights and taillights clear, as well.
- Clear snow off of you vehicle's roof.
- Check your antifreeze, battery and windshield wipers and wiper fluid.
- Plan long trips carefully, listening to the radio or NOAA Weather Radio for the latest weather forecasts and road conditions.
- Be extra alert. Snowdrifts can hide children or other vehicles.
- Yield to snowplows, giving them plenty of room to safely do their job. Be patient and follow at a safe distance.
WINTER EMERGENCY CAR KIT
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- Charged cell phone/automobile charger
- Basic first-aid kit
- Necessary medications
- Pocket knife
- Blankets or sleeping bags
- Extra clothes (include rain gear, boots, mittens, socks)
- High-calorie, non-perishable foods (dried fruits, nuts, canned food)
- Manual can opener
- Container of water
- Windshield scraper & brush
- Fire extinguisher
- Shovel
- Sand/road salt/cat litter for generating traction
- Tire chains or traction mats
- Basic tool kit (pliers, wrench, screwdriver)
- Tow rope
- Battery jumper cables
- Road flares/reflectors
- Brightly colored cloth to utilize as a flag
- Road maps
The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) is the state agency responsible for coordinating federal, state, local, voluntary and private resources during emergencies and disasters in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. MEMA provides leadership to: develop plans for effective response to all hazards, disasters or threats; train emergency personnel to protect the public; provide information to the citizenry; and assist individuals, families, businesses and communities to mitigate against, prepare for, and respond to and recover from emergencies, both natural and man made. For additional information about MEMA and Winter Preparedness, go to www.mass.gov/mema.
MEMA ISSUES ICE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
FRAMINGHAM, MA – With the colder temperatures and the fact that many children are anxious to use the new skates they may recently received as holiday gifts, the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) has issued information regarding safety precautions to be taken on our frozen lakes, rivers and ponds.
“Before we experience a tragedy that is unfortunately too common this time of year, it is important that we remind everyone, particularly children, of the dangers of unsafe ice,” said MEMA Director Don Boyce. “Lakes, ponds, streams and rivers throughout the Commonwealth are to freezing over, however, the temperature continue to fluctuate around freezing, making ice conditions very uncertain. People may be a bit impatient to venture out on the ice for skating, hockey, ice fishing and other winter sports. We highly recommend the use of recreational skating areas provided by the Commonwealth and your local communities. It is very important to exercise precaution and common sense.”
Always check with your local police, fire or park department to ensure that safe ice conditions exist. However, due to the uncertainty of ice conditions and the dangers presented, many departments will not endorse the safety of lakes, ponds, streams or rivers. The strength and thickness of ice should be known before any activity takes place.
- Never go onto the ice alone. A friend may be able to rescue you or go for help if you fall through the ice.
- Always keep your pets on a leash. If a pet falls through the ice do not attempt to rescue your pet, call 9-1-1 or go for help.
- New ice is usually stronger than old ice. As ice ages, the bond between the crystals decays, making it weaker, even if melting has not occurred.
- Beware of ice covered with snow. Snow can insulate ice and keep it strong, but can also insulate it to keep it from freezing. Snow can also hide cracks, weak and open ice.
- Slush is a danger sign, indicating that ice is no longer freezing from the bottom and can be weak or deteriorating.
- Ice formed over flowing water (rivers or lakes containing a large number of springs) is generally 15% weaker.
- Ice seldom freezes or thaws at a uniform rate. It can be one foot thick in one spot and be only one inch thick 10 feet away.
- Reach-Throw-Go. If a companion falls through the ice and you are unable to reach that person from shore, throw them something (rope, jumper cables, tree branch, etc.). If this does not work, go for help or call 9-1-1, before you also become a victim. Get medical assistance for the victim immediately.
- If you fall in, try not to panic. Turn toward the direction from which you came. Place your hands and arms on the unbroken surface, working forward by kicking your feet. Once out, remain lying on the ice (do not stand) and roll away from the hole. Crawl back to your tracks, keeping your weight distributed until you return to solid ice.
By following safety procedures, you can be safe and enjoy the many winter activities offered by the great outdoors.
The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) is the state agency responsible for coordinating federal, state, local, voluntary and private resources during emergencies and disasters in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. MEMA provides leadership to: develop plans for effective response to all hazards, disasters or threats; train emergency personnel to protect the public; provide information to the citizenry; and assist individuals, families, businesses and communities to mitigate against, prepare for, and respond to and recover from emergencies, both natural and man made. For additional information about MEMA and Winter Preparedness, go to the MEMA website at www.mass.gov/mema.
2010 EMERGENCY PUBLIC INFORMATION CALENDARS ISSUED
FRAMINGHAM, MA - Residents of the eighteen Massachusetts communities that are located within the Emergency Planning Zones (EPZs) of the three nuclear power stations that impact the Commonwealth, were recently mailed their annual calendar containing vital emergency information. The 2010 calendar is an important part of emergency planning efforts to ensure the safety of those within the EPZ communities.
“Please keep this calendar in an accessible location, once you have shared this information with your family,” states Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency Director Don Boyce. “By being informed, you and your family will be better prepared to respond to any emergency in your community, including hurricanes, tornadoes, chemical spills or large fires.”
The calendar contains important information concerning emergency warning signals, how residents would be notified, protective actions such as sheltering in place and evacuation, as well as the possibility of ingesting potassium iodide (KI). Additionally, there is information for those who may have special needs or own pets. This information represents part of the emergency planning efforts of local officials, in cooperation with MEMA, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, and the nuclear licensees.
The EPZ communities are:
Pilgrim: Duxbury, Kingston, Plymouth, and portions of Carver and Marshfield.
Seabrook: Amesbury, Merrimac, Newbury, Newburyport, Salisbury and West Newbury.
Vermont Yankee: Bernardston, Leyden, and portions of Colrain, Gill, Greenfield, Northfield and Warwick.
If residents of those communities have not received their calendar, they are asked to contact their local Emergency Management Director, a MEMA Regional Office, which are located in Tewksbury, Bridgewater and Agawam, or the Nuclear Preparedness Department at MEMA Headquarters in Framingham. An electronic version of the calendar’s emergency information can be found in the ‘Nuclear Preparedness’ section of the MEMA webpage.
The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) is the state agency responsible for coordinating federal, state, local, voluntary and private resources during emergencies and disasters in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. MEMA provides leadership to: develop plans for effective response to all hazards, disasters or threats; train emergency personnel to protect the public; provide information to the citizenry; and assist individuals, families, businesses and communities to mitigate against, prepare for, and respond to and recover from emergencies, both natural and man made. For additional information about MEMA, go to www.mass.gov/mema.
Information and Resources Regarding H1N1 (Swine) Flu
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health H1N1 (Swine) Flu Website:
www.mass.gov/flu
H1N1 flu, also known as "swine flu," is a respiratory disease caused by a type of flu virus. The Department of Public Health has collected a number of resources to help you better understand the disease. For the most up to date information on H1N1 (swine) flu in MA, please visit the DPH blog and the DPH home page.
Find a flu clinic
To view and order flu-related materials:
Flu: What You Can Do Booklets and DVDs
Flu Facts: What You Need to Know Wallet Cards, Posters, and More
Handwashing Brochures, Posters, and More
Additional Resources:
www.flu.gov
www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu
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