By now you’re almost certainly aware of the historic flooding across the state of Nebraska. Many Nebraskans are facing weeks, months, and even years of recovery. That’s a daunting challenge — but it’s one we know our state will rise to meet. As the situation continues to develop, we hope and pray you are safe, warm, and dry.
As a volunteer and/or supporter of Civic Nebraska, you are among the kindest, most engaged people in our state. We know first-hand about the energy and enthusiasm you bring to our mission, which is also needed as our state recovers from this natural disaster. Here are links to follow the flooding and response by Nebraska’s tireless public safety, emergency management, and community responders, as well as links to potential ways you can help, if you are so inclined.
Stay informed
The Nebraska Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has up-to-date information on the floods, including shelter locations, health resources, and links to resources. Follow NEMA on Facebook or Twitterfor regular updates.
The Nebraska Department of Transportation is continually updating road conditions at 511 Nebraska, as well as regularly using Twitter andFacebook feeds to provide new information about what roadways to avoid.
The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services has several helpful guides on how to cope with severe weather and flooding. Follow on Facebook.
How you can help
Several organizations — including The American Red Cross of Nebraska and Southwest Iowa, The Salvation Army of Omaha, United Way of the Midlands, Nebraska Cattlemen, and the Nebraska Farm Bureau — have established relief funds for flood victims.
Legal Aid of Nebraska’s Disaster Relief Project offers free legal assistance on legal issues to victims of state-declared disasters, through a network of volunteer lawyers across Nebraska.
The Omaha Public Schools Foundation has set up a fund to accept monetary donations to the American Red Cross for flood relief. You can donate here or send checks to Omaha Schools Foundation, 3861 Farnam St., Omaha 68131.
To help those who suffered flood losses in Central Nebraska, contributors can donate here. Here are ways to donate to relief efforts for the Grand Island area, the Central City area and the surrounding area, and the Broken Bow area.
Our friends at News Channel Nebraska also have been assembling community-specific relief activities and fund drives.
The Dandelion Network is gathering supplies for the Santee Sioux Nation in north-central Nebraska, which is in desperate need.
And, the blog site Well-Traveled Nebraskan has built a comprehensive list of resources for those wishing to help.
Stay safe and please do what you can to help, friends — we are all in this together. And, as always, thanks for all that you do.
