It's the Brian Laird Show and WNYC. I'm Bridget Bergen filling in for Brian today.

The death toll from Hurricane Helene was up to 180 this morning across six states in the southeast. Some rural

communities in the mountains are cut off without power, cell service, water, or roads. The AP was

reporting that mules have been used to deliver supplies and some towns have to rely on non-metaphorical

message boards. We're talking old school bulletin boards for their social media.

Massive relief efforts are underway, but what can individuals do to help? And what can they do to

not get in the way? Ali Volpe, senior reporter at Vox, has looked into this and she joins us now.

Ali, welcome back to WNYC. Thanks so much for having me.

And listeners, we want to hear from you. Many of you have maybe made donations already.

If you want to share your recommendations and if you have connections to these affected areas,

especially those in Western North Carolina, what are you hearing from friends and family?

And what do you want your neighbors to know about how they can help from here?

Call or text us, the numbers 212-433 WNYC.

That's 212-433-9692.

Allie, you lead with a couple of things to avoid, like heading into the effective areas or just sending supplies until they're requested.

Tell us what the problem is there.

Right.

The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency specifically early this week told volunteers and the community to not send

supplies in. While that might be a knee-jerk reaction, a very well-meaning one, it can get in the way

of active recovery. Some of these organizations don't know exactly what they need until the extent of the damage is assessed.

So emergency management agencies do not ask anyone to send physical donations, especially clothing.

FEMA had mentioned on their website that many people jump to donate youth clothing, but that is almost never required.

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