I am writing this post thinking of our friends in Syria and Turkey who are currently overwhelmed by one of the most unexpected tragedies that often occur in our country: earthquakes.
Earthquakes do not warn us before they come. They come and destroy. They destroy homes, services, and roads. Earthquake victims need everything, but first of all they need a safe shelter to stay in, doctors, medicines, food, warm clothes.
They need to know where to go, they need to know how to go, which roads are open and which are closed.
Emergency Map in Google Maps
Helping is fundamental, but in some aspects of our help our skills as Local Guides are fundamental, starting from the Emergency Map, that we can find in our App by exploring the area. The Crisis-related alerts in Google Maps give us an overview about how we can use the Map, not only to reach the most recent news but also to Report Road Closures.
Creating a Custom Map
But if we want to do more, we can create a custom map using Google My Maps and share it on the social channels, for the people to reach the updated information added by Local Guides like you and me.
Creating a Custom map is not so difficult, and if you need help we have several experts here in Connect. Just reply to this post and we will help you with your issue.
I’ve made a detailed manual about how to work with Google My Maps. Feel Free to download it: Google My Maps - my tips and tricks
Make it easy by grouping the information by category (e.g. “tent city”, or “food distribution” or “medical assistance”) and above all be sure that your sources are trusted and that the information is constantly updated.
My Maps allows multiple people to work on the same map, but make sure that Edit access is only open to people you trust.
To acquire information from people you do not know you can create a Google Form, in order to avoid the risk that someone can inadvertently delete your work on the Map.
Volunteering in the area
As a Local Guide Community we started in 2016 to develop actions to help the people involved in 2016’s earthquake in central Italy.
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Step 1 - Collect and deliver first aid (food - clothes).
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If you want to do this do not act alone. Make sure to be in touch with the main association like the Turkish Red Crescent Society and the Syrian Arab Red Crescent.
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Collect goods in according to the requirements of the associations, as they are monitoring the situation on site
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Deliver goods according to the requirements of the associations, as they are monitoring the situation on site. Make sure the person who receive the goods is trusted
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Be self-sufficient: If you have to travel a long distance to reach the delivery site make sure to be independent. You will not find accommodation and help in the area (they need help, not you). When I did it I left home at 4 AM, to make sure to be able to reach the area and drive back in the same day. Always carry an external battery and a flashlight with you
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Never move alone: Areas affected by an earthquake are dangerous, roads can be blocked and you may find yourself in difficult situations to deal with
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Always share your location in Google Maps with someone you trust. You may need some help
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Step 2 - Re-mapping the area. This is the activity where the Local Guides can play a fundamental role for a quick updating of the Maps
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After the crisis, temporary villages will be built, which could remain so for many years. People need to be able to find these activities, and this will require major mapping work. We did it by organizing meet-ups in the area, and adding the location of all the activities in the areas affected by the earthquake
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The situation of the roads will change, and the maps will have to be updated
As you can see there is a lot to do, and a lot we can do. In this we must be accurate, and above all humble. In these situations, the Local Guides may initially seem like a group of weird people who want to have fun, but we know that this is not the case, and over time our activity will be recognized and appreciated.
I went through this experience seven years ago, and it’s why I became a Local Guide. We have developed a lot of experience thanks to two years of activity in the area, so feel free to ask. It will help to verify that you do not repeat our mistakes.
Ermes
tambiĂ©n se unio a la ayuda humanitaria y mando 30 rescatista a TurquĂa y poder ayudar en lo que necesiten.