Gulf Restoration Network

BP Oil Drilling Disaster: Volunteers Should be Trained, and Have a Plan Blog - BPs Oil Drilling Disaster in the Gulf of Mexico Friday, 30 April 2010 06:33

We've been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support.  We understand the nature of this slow-motion tragedy inspires a sense of helplessness, and we want all interested parties to be a part of the necessary solutions.  One quick and easy thing to do is to take action and ensure the lessons of this disaster are learned at the highest levels.  Click here to send a message. 

In addition, It is critical that people are trained in how to help before heading down the bayou.  The roads are narrow, and will likely be jammed with media, responders, and well-intentioned observers.  The scale and scope of this spill are massive, yet the infrastructure in these at risk communities is exceptionally limited.

Please don't come down without a plan and training.  Our partner organization the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana is pre-registering interested volunteers, with the intention of directing people to the volunteer opportunities as they are scaled up.  The registration site is not up yet, but will be soon:  http://www.crcl.org/coalitionprograms/oilspillrecovery.html 

To report oiled wildlife call: 1-866-557-1401  Please do not try to clean wildlife without training.  Three bird response centers have been set up so far, in Venice, LA, Theodore, AL, and Pensacola, FL.  The intent is to set up turtle and mammal response centers by the end of the day.  We will post info as it is received.