Oklahoma Tornado Response

BACKGROUND

Following a series of tornadoes across Texas and Oklahoma, a powerful tornado hit the suburbs of Oklahoma City on May 20, 2013. The tornado swept through 20 miles in the area and, measuring 2 miles wide with a peak wind speed of 200-210 miles per hour, destroyed most everything in its path. It’s the deadliest tornado since 2011′s Joplin tornado, and considered one of the worst in the past 20 years. With the death toll at 24 and likely to rise, President Obama signed a disaster declaration for Oklahoma. First responders are currently searching the debris field for survivors. ATC is working with the Center for Disaster Philanthropy and other experts to provide updates on how to help affected communities.

BEST PRACTICES WHEN DISASTER STRIKES

• After disaster strikes, the aftermath is broken down into 3 separate phases: Rescue, Relief, and Recovery & Rebuilding.

• Governments and multinational bodies are usually best equipped and poised to handle the first two phases of the aftermath.

• Although directing donations to targeted rescue and relief efforts can be effective and important, supporting long-term recovery efforts is where individuals can make a big difference in helping communities over the long-term. This third phase of the aftermath is critical to full recovery but is also often the most overlooked and under-resourced. Artists and fans can help ensure that donors and organizations remain engaged in these areas and that the spotlight does not turn away as news turns to other stories and disasters.

• If you can, don’t make a donation to the rescue and relief efforts immediately, but set aside an amount you would like to give. Hold off on giving your donation until the effects and impact of the disaster are clearer, the long-term implications are identified, and what will be needed for the affected regions to recover and rebuild. Donations given in a few weeks will have a greater impact and will go towards efforts that are making a difference.

• You can find more information about making donations in times of disaster here.

ORGANIZATION RECOMMENDATIONS

For donors: As mentioned above, we recommend setting aside the amount that you would like to donate and waiting until the full needs become apparent. If you are donating now, give to an established organization with a proven track record of success in dealing with disasters. NOTE: Officials are asking for monetary donations stating that in-kind donations cannot be utilized at this time.

The Center for Disaster Philanthropy (CDP) is watching as events unfold and updating its Oklahoma Tornado page with current information on the recovery and rebuilding response, including a list of funds that have been established, and a hotline for donors.

ATC is working closely with CDP and other philanthropy and aid experts (including advisors in disaster philanthropy & relief work) to assess the best organizations and long-term funds to recommend. We will continue to monitor the situation and update the following list in the coming days and weeks. Please let us know if you have any questions about the organizations listed below or would like more info on setting up a fund.

• Team Rubicon “unites the skills and experience of military veterans with first responders to rapidly deploy emergency response teams into crisis situations”.  After Hurricane Sandy, Team Rubicon was on the ground providing crucial first response work and partnered with community members, federal and state officials, and other veteran organizations. Initial assessment teams has been dispatched and are beginning to define immediate needs. Stay tuned for updates and/or donate here.
• Save The Children’s U.S. emergency response team is mobilizing staff and essential supplies to provide support, relief and recovery services to communities and families in Oklahoma. Please designate your gift to “Disaster Relief”.
• Oklahoma City Tornado Recovery Fund has been in place since the May, 1999 storms. Contributions to the Fund will be directed to nonprofit organizations who are providing direct assistance to those impacted by the May 20th tornado.

WHAT ARTISTS HAVE DONE AFTER DISASTERS

In addition to the range of benefit shows, fundraisers and auctions that musicians have supported and donated their services to over the years, here are a few additional examples of ways that artists in our network recently raised funds for Hurricane Sandy relief:

• Digital Download Fundraisers. After Hurricane Sandy, Nicole Atkins, Frank Bressi and Mickey Hart all set up successful digital download fundraisers to raise money for organizations doing relief work. See Mickey Hart’s fundraiser here.
• Ticket Add-Ons. In the wake of Superstorm Sandy, several artists, including Benjamin Gibbard, My Morning Jacket, and Bassnectar, donated one dollar from every ticket sold to their shows to organizations responding to Superstorm Sandy.
• Direct Fan Donations. After Hurricane Sandy, MGMT asked ATC to set up a direct fan donation. While fan donations can be set up at any time, ATC has often set up such funds in the wake of disasters so that donations can be collected in immediate response while charity selections can be postponed until a full understanding of the greatest needs in an area are determined. See MGMT’s fan donation link here.

For more information on any of these strategies or for further support on how you can help Oklahoma Tornado efforts, please contact Jamie Paratore at jamie@atctower.net.