Trying to make a difference

I belong to an Organization named "Need Chennai Back". I am putting forward suggestions. If my friends can add their views and suggestions in the comment section, it can help.

Taking The First Step- Creating Awareness and Gaining Clarity.

All of us want our Chennai back. In what shape or form is the question that remains to be answered. Projects such as infrastructure, health, sanitation and the like are best left to the Government which has great resources at their disposal. But we can't remain in the sidelines and watch our Chennai residents suffer. Voluntary Organizations are fulfilling the immediate needs along with the Central and State Governments. So we need to plan of how best we can use our resources to make a difference in peoples lives. Here are a few suggestions. 1. When the dust has settled, we will be bound to attend to other priorities in our lives. To sustain our goal to better the lives for the present and future, an outreach program to educate people of each and every locality to enroll volunteers and ask them to formulate a plan that they can implement at the earliest in such crisis. This can happen if we get to know our neighbors, enroll themselves to carry out any specific tasks assigned, make a plan for their own homes to avoid loss of lives and materials and certificates that can be put in a suitcase and kept at all times, quickly put the jewelry and cash in an empty suitcase kept just for that purpose, a few clothes including undergarments in a separate suitcase and toiletries put in a zipped up bag are a few to look at especially during predictable seasons and the drill should be carried out by the family every ten days till the season is over. This goes to anyone who is single or living with a family. ( In USA we take videos of our homes which is furnished and of all valuables to claim insurance. We have suitcases filled with our certificates in case of a fire, ready to take and go at all times. people also keep a bag pack filled with food items that is not perishable and water bottles in their strong room in basement during tornado season, and items suggested earlier.) 2. Associations of Apartments and individual home owners of every locality must come together and think of a evacuation plan which they can implement quickly, once the warnings are given and not wait till the devastation occurs. People should have a list of names and numbers where they might feel safe and wanted and keep in touch by offering reciprocation of goodwill. In this way one can be a victim or a volunteer depending on the circumstances and a role to play if not affected. 3. In tragedies like the one happened, getting back to normal will take time maybe a month or two at least for the Government to fulfill its obligations. Life is disturbed and in total disarray. If planned, having some bank balance for emergencies, and getting back to their work quickly as they limp back to normalcy at home will reduce the strain, mentally and physically. They can focus on things which is under their control and not waste precious time over things they have no control over and increasing their frustration which will spill over and affect the family at home.The kids should be sent to school at the earliest as an unwanted delay will affect the mental health of the child after experiencing the trauma. The kids need to find some normalcy in their lives and going to school is one. 4.Spreading of tested information during normal times as people tend to forget or put it in the back burner when other life events take priority and such shared information even if not given importance will serve as a reminder. 5. Channelizing peoples anger, frustrations and dejection by talking to them, making them write their experiences and having a site that could help them vent in their own words will reduce the overall disappointments. Those who can't write, should be helped with finding people in their neighborhoods to go and listen, talk and be non judgmental. Therapy is 90% listening, understanding and empathizing. All of us can attempt and there is no right or wrong answers. This way, people who are badly affected mentally can be helped to go to councilors, therapists, Psychiatrists who are willing to offer their services. It will be prudent to take the list of volunteers of Physicians and Psychiatrists and keep them ready before something happens. Thanks for taking the time to read. Will discuss further if found useful. Willing to offer my apartment in Kilpauk if people need to come together and brainstorm. I have a 3 bedroom flat and I am the sole occupant. Kripa- A Proud Chennai Resident.