This article, crafted by Tricia Wachtendorf, a professor of sociology and director of the Disaster Research Center at the University of Delaware, along with James Kendra, a professor of public policy and administration and director of the same center, for The Conversation, shines a light on the remarkable spirit of community during challenging times.
In January 2025, as wildfires raged across the outskirts of Los Angeles, heartwarming stories emerged across social media, showcasing residents coming together to support both neighbors and strangers alike. While some Hollywood stars took to clearing streets for emergency vehicles and fundraising for fire victims, countless everyday heroes stepped up in equally inspiring ways. Many individuals assisted older neighbors to safety and even arrived with trailers to ensure horses were evacuated safely.
Local businesses, too, opened their doors wide, allowing evacuees to shower and recharge their devices. Organizations that typically aid homeless populations swiftly mobilized to ensure that vulnerable individuals had safe havens away from the fires and dangerous air quality.
Disasters can often overwhelm local resources, making the contributions of civilian responders essential. Research from the University of Delaware’s Disaster Research Center over the past sixty years illuminates that effective disaster management relies heavily on the mobilization of community resources, often exceeding the capabilities of official channels.
These acts of kindness and cooperation frequently arise from local groups formed in response to a community’s needs. The recent events in Los Angeles exemplify this beautifully.
The number of individuals who rise to the occasion during disasters can be astounding. For instance, following the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing, over 6,800 volunteers collaborated with the Red Cross. Similarly, volunteers responding to the Kobe earthquake in Japan logged over a million person-days of service. The September 11, 2001, World Trade Center attacks saw local residents using their retired fireboats to assist firefighters, while tug, ferry, and tour boat operators swiftly evacuated 500,000 people from harm’s way. In fact, many boats involved were owned by private companies, showcasing the community's readiness to help.
Surveys after significant disasters, such as the 1985 Mexico City earthquake and the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, demonstrate a remarkable willingness among residents to volunteer and participate in response efforts. However, much of this invaluable work done by local residents often goes unrecognized in official reports.
When time is of the essence, it’s often family, friends, and neighbors who are already present and ready to help, making a vital difference in saving lives. Everyday citizens frequently step in to assist with immediate tasks like debris removal, providing resources like phones or vehicles, allowing firefighters and formal responders to concentrate on critical operations.
Every study conducted by the Disaster Research Center has revealed an inspiring trend of emergent, informal helping behaviors following large-scale disasters. However, there can sometimes be misunderstandings about the extent of local involvement, leading to an influx of outsiders eager to lend a hand. While the intentions are noble, this can pose challenges for effective disaster response when too many people arrive or when they operate outside their expertise. Communities often require specific supplies, and well-meaning but unsolicited donations can occasionally complicate the situation.
So, how can you best support these local efforts? Contributing financially to trusted disaster response organizations or local groups is a fantastic way to ensure that communities receive the assistance they truly need. Organizations like the American Red Cross or Feeding America, along with community-based groups, are often best positioned to provide essential support.
Furthermore, it’s important to remember that the journey to recovery does not end once the immediate danger has passed. Survivors of the Los Angeles-area fires will face a lengthy process of rebuilding. Offering help in the form of skilled assistance, such as expertise in construction or navigating insurance and FEMA paperwork
