Frequently Asked Questions

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Your donation will be directly applied to the specific crisis you’ve chosen to support. In the event that funds raised exceed the needs of that particular crisis, your contribution will be carefully redirected to the area of greatest need, ensuring your generosity has the maximum impact.

Wildfires can often be prevented by being careful with fire outdoors.

• Never leave a campfire unattended.
• Don’t burn trash or debris on windy days.
• Avoid using fireworks in dry areas.
• Follow local fire safety rules and burn bans.

Most wildfires are started by people, so small actions can make a big difference.

Wildfires can move very quickly—sometimes as fast as 14 miles per hour.
In windy and dry conditions, fire can spread across grasslands in just minutes, making it hard to escape or stop.

On average, there are more than 60,000 wildfires in the U.S. every year.
They happen most often in the summer and fall, especially during hot and dry weather.

Some wildfires are put out in a few days, but others can last weeks or even months.
The size of the fire, weather conditions, and how hard it is to reach all affect how long it burns.

The most effective way to assist is through financial donations, as they allow disaster agencies to purchase what’s needed most, often at bulk discounts. Only contribute goods through trusted organizations, and only if the organization explicitly requests them. Volunteering should also be coordinated via reputable relief groups, but do not self-deploy. If you need to help locating loved ones or accessing emergency services, use official resources.

The Atlantic hurricane season officially runs from June 1 to November 30, with peak activity between August and October due to warm ocean temperatures and atmospheric conditions. Even outside this window, storms can occur.

An effective hurricane preparedness plan includes:

• Monitoring weather updates during season.
• Securing your home by boarding up windows, reinforcing doors, and protecting valuables.
• Assembling an emergency kit with water, food, first aid, important documents, flashlight, and radio.
• Identifying evacuation routes and safe meeting spots.
• Following local evacuation orders without delay.

Meteorologists use the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. A 1-to-5 rating based on sustained wind speed. Category 1 storms (74–95 mph) can be damaging, while Categories 3 to 5 are deemed “major hurricanes” with extreme potential for devastation.

The central calm region of a hurricane is known as the eye. A roughly circular area of light winds and clear skies. It’s surrounded by the eyewall, where the storm’s most damaging winds and rainfall occur.

During the hurricane:

• Stay in an interior, windowless room.
• Avoid floodwaters, turning around in flooded areas can be deadly.
• Do not use elevators.
• After the storm, be prepared for power outages and structural hazards like downed power lines, damaged roofs, and contaminated water.

Meteorologists classify hurricanes into five categories on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, based on sustained wind speeds. Here’s what each category means:

Category 1: 74–95 mph: This is the lowest hurricane strength, but still dangerous. It can cause roof, gutter, and siding damage, snap tree branches, and knock out power. Coastal flooding and minor infrastructure damage may also occur.

Category 2: 96–110 mph: Winds in this range are extremely dangerous. Expect major damage to roofs and siding on well-built homes, many trees snapped or uprooted, and long-lasting power outages. Coastal areas may experience significant flooding.

Category 3: 111–129 mph: Known as a major hurricane, Category 3 storms bring devastating damage. They can destroy roofs, knock out water and power for days, and block roads with debris.

Category 4: 130–156 mph: These storms cause catastrophic damage. Most structures suffer severe roof and wall failure, even well-built homes. Trees and power poles are knocked down, widespread uprooting occurs, and large-scale evacuations may be required. Power and water services may be disrupted for weeks.

Category 5: 157 mph or higher: This is the most severe classification. Catastrophic destruction is expected, with most homes sustaining total collapse, long-term power outages, and uninhabitable conditions for weeks or more.

Preparing for an earthquake starts with creating an earthquake preparedness plan for your household or workplace.

• Identify safe spots in each room (away from windows and heavy furniture), secure heavy objects that could fall, and keep an emergency kit with water, nonperishable food, flashlights, batteries, and a first-aid kit.
• Practice Drop, Cover, and Hold On drills so everyone knows what to do when the shaking starts. Make sure you know how to turn off utilities like gas, water, and electricity in case of leaks or damage.

For detailed guidance, visit Ready.gov’s Earthquake Preparedness page.

During earthquakes, remember the Drop, Cover, and Hold On method:

• Drop to your hands and knees to prevent being knocked over.
• Cover your head and neck under a sturdy table or desk, or with your arms if nothing is nearby.
• Hold On to your shelter until the shaking stops.
  Stay indoors until the shaking ends. If you are outside, move to an open area away from buildings, power lines, and trees. If you’re driving, stop in a safe location away from overpasses, bridges, and power lines, and stay in the vehicle until it’s safe to move.

Preparing involves three main steps:

• Plan ahead – Identify evacuation routes, emergency contacts, and meeting spots for your family.
• Secure your space – Anchor furniture, appliances, and water heaters to prevent tipping during an earthquake disaster.
• Stock emergency supplies – Keep enough food, water, and essentials to last at least 72 hours. You can also sign up for emergency alerts from local agencies so you’re warned as soon as seismic activity is detected.

• Avoid running outside during the earthquake. Most injuries happen from falling debris near building exits.
• Don’t stand in doorways. Modern door frames aren’t stronger than other parts of a home.
• Never use elevators during or after an earthquake response due to the risk of power loss or structural damage.
• Avoid sheltering near windows, mirrors, or tall furniture that could tip over.

Survival depends on quick action and preparation.

• Stay calm, follow Drop, Cover, and Hold On, and protect your head and neck.
• After the shaking stops, check yourself and others for injuries, and provide first aid if needed.
• Be prepared for aftershocks, which can be strong enough to cause further damage.
• If you smell gas, hear hissing, or see broken lines, turn off the gas and leave the building immediately.

The safest place is indoors under sturdy furniture such as a desk or table, away from glass, mirrors, or anything that can fall. If you can’t get under furniture, crouch against an interior wall and protect your head and neck.
Outdoors, the safest location is a wide, open space away from buildings, trees, power lines, and streetlights.

• Once the shaking stops, check for injuries and hazards like fires, gas leaks, and damaged electrical lines.
• Expect aftershocks and be ready to Drop, Cover, and Hold On again.
• Avoid using your phone unless it’s an emergency, keeping lines open for first responders.
• Listen to local authorities for updates and only re-enter damaged buildings after they are deemed safe.

Participating in earthquake relief efforts or supporting organizations through an earthquake donation can help affected communities recover faster.

The key is to stay where you are until the shaking stops—don’t run outside unless you are in immediate danger.
Protect yourself from falling objects, remain low to the ground, and keep your head and neck covered.
If you are in bed, stay there and protect your head with a pillow unless you’re under a heavy light fixture or ceiling fan that could fall.

Floods happen when water overflows onto land, caused by heavy rainfall, river overflow, storm surge, or melting snow. A flash flood is sudden, fast-moving, and extremely dangerous.

While individuals can’t control large-scale floods, communities can reduce risks through floodplain management, stormwater drainage systems, and wetland restoration. Homeowners can install sump pumps, maintain gutters, and landscape to improve water runoff.

Know your local flood risk, create an evacuation plan, and prepare an emergency kit. Move important belongings to higher ground, store documents in waterproof containers, and keep a battery-powered radio for alerts.

The 1931 China floods are considered the deadliest in recorded history, affecting over 50 million people and causing an estimated 1–4 million deaths due to flooding, famine, and disease.

The U.S. experiences frequent flooding due to heavy rainfall, hurricanes, rapid snowmelt, and inadequate drainage systems. Climate change has also increased the frequency of extreme weather events, leading to more severe flooding.

Get to higher ground immediately, avoid walking or driving in floodwater, and follow evacuation orders. Stay informed via weather alerts and have essential supplies ready.

A flash flood develops rapidly, often in minutes or hours after intense rain or dam breaks, with little warning. A standard flood develops more slowly and can last days or weeks.

Watch for rapidly rising water, overflowing rivers, water pooling in unusual areas, and alerts from weather agencies. In flash flood situations, water can surge suddenly without typical warning signs.

An epidemic refers to the sudden increase in the number of cases of a disease above what is normally expected in a specific geographic area or population. It is typically localized, such as an outbreak of measles in a single city or region.
A pandemic, on the other hand, is an epidemic that has spread across multiple countries or continents, affecting a large number of people. Pandemics usually involve new viruses or infectious agents to which the global population has little or no immunity, leading to rapid and sustained human-to-human transmission.
For example, the 2014–2016 Ebola outbreak in West Africa was an epidemic, while COVID-19 is classified as a pandemic because it spread worldwide.

There are three main classifications of disease outbreaks:

• Endemic — A disease that is consistently present in a specific geographic area or population, such as malaria in parts of sub-Saharan Africa.
• Epidemic — A sudden increase in disease cases in a specific area or population, such as a cholera outbreak after a natural disaster.
• Pandemic — An epidemic that spreads across countries or continents, impacting a significant portion of the population, such as the 1918 influenza pandemic or COVID-19.

A disease outbreak is identified through epidemiological surveillance, where health authorities track patterns of illness in a population. Key indicators of a potential outbreak include:

• A sudden spike in reported cases of a specific illness.
• The appearance of a rare or unusual disease in a community.
• Geographic clustering of similar symptoms or diagnoses.
• Laboratory confirmation of the same pathogen in multiple patients.
  Public health agencies like the CDC and WHO use case reports, laboratory data, and real-time monitoring systems to confirm an outbreak and determine its source.

A sudden outbreak of disease, often called an acute outbreak, refers to the rapid emergence of numerous cases of a particular illness within a short time frame. This may be caused by factors such as contaminated food or water, introduction of a new pathogen, or environmental changes that favor the spread of disease.
These outbreaks require immediate investigation and response to contain the spread. For example, a norovirus outbreak on a cruise ship can infect hundreds of people within days if not controlled quickly.

Climate change refers to long-term shifts in weather patterns, primarily driven by human activity such as burning fossil fuels, releasing greenhouse gases, and deforestation. These activities increase the greenhouse effect, trapping heat in the atmosphere and causing global warming.

Climate change increases the frequency and intensity of natural disasters by disrupting weather patterns and warming the planet. Rising global temperatures intensify the water cycle, which leads to heavier rainfall and more severe flooding. Warmer oceans provide extra fuel for hurricanes and tropical storms, making them stronger and longer-lasting. Higher average temperatures also increase the risk of heatwaves, droughts, and wildfires, while melting glaciers and rising sea levels make coastal flooding more common. In short, climate change acts as a threat multiplier, making extreme events more destructive and more frequent.

Climate change cannot be eliminated entirely, but it can be slowed and managed with immediate action. Scientists emphasize that reducing greenhouse gas emissions is the most critical step. This includes switching to renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and hydro, improving energy efficiency, and phasing out fossil fuels. Other strategies include:

• Carbon capture and storage (CCS): Technology to capture CO₂ from power plants and the air.
• Reforestation and conservation: Forests absorb CO₂, making land restoration essential.
• Adaptation: Strengthening infrastructure, health systems, and food security to withstand climate impacts.
  The Paris Agreement, adopted by nearly every country, outlines global goals to limit warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, which scientists agree is key to avoiding the most dangerous impacts.

The five major effects of climate change are:

• Rising Temperatures: More frequent heatwaves, changing ecosystems, and higher health risks.
• Extreme Weather: Stronger hurricanes, severe droughts, floods, and wildfires.
• Melting Ice and Rising Seas: Glacial retreat, loss of Arctic sea ice, and higher coastal flooding.
• Threats to Food and Water: Crop failures, lower nutrition, water shortages, and fisheries decline.
• Health Impacts: Increases in respiratory illness, infectious diseases, malnutrition, and heat-related deaths.

Climate change is not a future issue. It is happening right now. Current impacts include:

• More frequent and intense wildfires in the U.S. and Australia.
• Severe droughts in Africa and the western U.S. affecting crops and water supplies.
• Record-breaking hurricanes and floods fueled by warmer oceans.
• Glacier melt in Greenland and Antarctica, contributing to rising sea levels.
• Health threats, such as increased heat stress, worsening allergies, and expanded ranges of diseases like malaria and dengue. Every decade since 1980 has been warmer than the last, with 2023 recorded as one of the hottest years globally.

Climate change is considered one of the most serious global threats to human society, ecosystems, and economies. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), without urgent action, the world faces:

• Increased loss of life from disasters.
• Massive economic damage from destroyed infrastructure, agriculture losses, and displaced populations.
• Biodiversity collapse, with one in six species at risk of extinction.
• Global instability due to resource shortages, migration, and conflict over water and food.
• Experts warn that if global warming passes 2°C, the impacts may become irreversible.

The major issues caused by climate change include:

• Rising sea levels threatening coastal communities.
• Ocean acidification damaging coral reefs and fisheries.
• Loss of biodiversity as habitats shrink and species disappear.
• Health crises due to heatwaves, poor air quality, and spread of disease.
• Economic inequality, since poorer nations are more vulnerable to climate disasters. These challenges are interconnected, making climate change a complex crisis that touches nearly every aspect of life.

There is a vast body of climate change research produced by governments, universities, and international organizations. Some of the most important include:

• IPCC Reports: The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change releases global scientific assessments every 5–7 years, with detailed updates on climate science, adaptation, and solutions.
• NASA Climate Research: Provides satellite data and analysis of global temperature, ice melt, and greenhouse gases.
• NOAA Climate Reports: Tracks U.S. and global weather, sea levels, and disaster patterns.
• Harvard & MIT Climate Studies: Cutting-edge research into energy solutions, climate economics, and carbon reduction.
• The Lancet Climate Countdown: Annual report on the health effects of climate change worldwide. These resources provide reliable, peer-reviewed evidence that guides policy and global action.

Please contact Tracy Miller by email at tracy.miller@hearttoheart.org or by phone at 913-320-6142.

Yes, you can cancel anytime by clicking the link in your donation receipt and following the instructions provided, or contact Tracy Miller by email at tracy.miller@hearttoheart.org or by phone at 913-320-6142.

Yes, we use industry-standard SSL technology to keep your information safe.

Your gifts are tax-deductible per local regulations, as we are a tax-exempt organization. We will send you receipts for all donations. Please keep the receipts as your official records to claim donations as tax deductions.

We are based in Lenexa, Kansas—a part of the Kansas City metro area—with opportunities to work on both local and international projects.

We hire for roles in logistics, fundraising, health programming, finance, marketing and communications, disaster response management, and more.

Yes, many of our roles include hybrid and flexible work arrangements depending on the team and job function.

Please include a tailored resume, a brief cover letter outlining your interest in our mission, and any relevant certifications.

Interns work 10–20 hours per week for 10–12 weeks. We offer flexible scheduling, mentorship, and resume-building experience.