This thread has taken an unfortunate turn: more like ‘the other site’.
I get deep satisfaction helping others in need. I know that it could be me sometime. I know close friends who have been affected by these types of events.
I feel fortunate to be able to assist with needed tools and skills. I have been doing this 20+ years, and worked in Emergency Management. I know that there are others on these sites who have also volunteered extensively.
I posted some of the links above, to give interested people some opportunities to follow, as well as a ‘heads up’: if you show up at some situations, you are an ‘unknown’. Emergency Managers (sometimes the local Sheriff, etc.) already have their hands full, and don’t need more surprises.
Every news report shows some yahoo cutting after a storm with a dull Wild Thing, wearing shorts and a pair of Crocs. Showing up with a modded 460 doesn’t provide any more credibility.
So they are looking for certification, training, or affiliation with a recognized group. Understanding that storm damaged wood is different than firewood in a stack. Working in a disaster environment. And people not there to sell services or rip off affected people.
Same thing for trail work.
You may have all these qualifications, but the EM does not have time to vet you. So, come with the certs, or build the relationship beforehand.
If you do storm damage cleanup as a business, that is a separate issue. But you still may need business registration, insurance, etc., to be let into a restricted disaster perimeter.
TCI Magazine had some good information on storm cleanup as a business in their September, 2023 issue (but that belongs in a different thread).
digimag.tcia.org
Philbert