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Here’s how you can help victims of Hurricane Helene, Hurricane Milton

Be careful of scams

Salvage works remove debris from Hurricane Helene flooding along the Gulf of Mexico Monday, Oct. 7, 2024, in Clearwater Beach, Fla. Crews are working to remove the debris before Hurricane Milton approaches Florida's west coast. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara) (Chris O'Meara, Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

I’ve received a lot of emails to Help Me Hank asking how you can help with the hurricane approaching Florida (and Helene victims).

We are talking with the Red Cross and the Better Business Bureau today to get the latest information, but I want to pass some on to you right now.

The Red Cross already has teams on the ground preparing to assist once the storms hit. Click here to make an online donation.

The Salvation Army is also another organization hard at work. Click here for that information.

Be Strong has teams in Florida already and you can track the donation effort via social media.

Here’s what I would avoid: Crowdfunding. Be careful online.

I would also avoid donating cash. A credit card offers you much more protection if you get caught up in a scam.

We have seen in the past people standing on corners or going door to door, saying they are collecting to help victims of storms or other large scale disasters. just be careful: You don’t want your donation getting into the wrong hands.

I’ll see you live today on Local 4 News at 5 and 6 p.m. with more important information.


About the Author
Hank Winchester headshot

Hank Winchester is Local 4’s Consumer Investigative Reporter and the head of WDIV’s “Help Me Hank” Consumer Unit. Hank works to solve consumer complaints, reveal important recalls and track down thieves who have ripped off people in our community.

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