Stories from the frontlines of natural disasters.
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Heres how it works.
Here, seven people whove experienced a climate disaster share what they wish others knew.
Use your platform positively.
His family said they had a GoFundMe for him, but it wasnt doing well.
With their permission, I posted the link and helped raise $36,000.
Think about what kind of information you would want to see.
Fear, conspiracy theories, and misinformation are all awful ways to fuel your following.
Help has to come from your heart.
Build genuine relationships with other women.
Pilina in Hawaiian means relationship.
As a doula, I have built a pilina with many of the women in my community.
Our togetherness is what kept our spirits up during theMaui fires.
As families from our community sought refuge in hotels, I offered to help watch their kids.
I often invited other families to come over for dinner.
If youre in the thick of it right now, know that youre not alone.
Find what grounds you first, then build genuine relationships with women around you.
Healing doesnt mean forgetting, it means finding a way to carry the love forward.
Remember that help is long-term.
AfterHurricane Heleneended, so did some of the help and attention to those who still needed assistance.
Though the hurricane moved on, peoples suffering and loss did not.
We all shared a common trauma experience, but some were less fortunate in their ability to recover.
Reassure people you havent forgotten them.
First, people need supplies, care, and motivation.
But after three or four months, those who have lost property need funding and money.
Dont give up on supporting survivors, because the process of healing and recovery can take years.
Be patient with frontline workers.
WhenHurricane Harveyhit, I tried driving to work, but the roads were all underwater.
I was devastated, but I had no choice other than to turn around for my own safety.
The lengths we all went to so you can care for the babies was incredible.
One of my colleagues even rode a dump truck through the flooded streets to get into work.
There isnt anything nurses wouldnt do for their patients, and its often thankless work.
Be patient with frontline workers during disasters.
Be kind to them.
We also appreciate being sent treats or food after long shifts, because were usually extremely tired.
Look for organizations that match your beliefs.
I have lived through many storms and hurricanes, but never one as strong asHurricane Maria.
Animals need help, too.
During the Los Angeles fires, many animal facilities burned to the ground.
Some animals unfortunately did not make it.
Caring for an animal is a huge responsibility, and some people end up bringing rescues back.
Ask organizations what they need.
Protecting pets is just as important as protecting people.
Send donations and inspiration.
The hurricanes in Florida have tested my resilienceand also brought out the best in my community.
In times of uncertainty, turn to the things that bring you comfort.
Offer to send those impacted art, so they can draw strength from books and music and inspirational quotes.
This article appears inMarie Claire’s 2025 Craftsmanship Issue.
She’ll debut it on the court at an upcoming tournament.
The Duchess of York showed her fun-loving personality outside St. George’s chapel in Windsor.
No wonder she wears it constantly.
