if it wasnt for science, they wouldnt even know what was coming. Hope those in touch with god had an early warning from him.

I say sending positive vibes! And I mean it.

Actually, you can pray for them, but it won't make a sodding difference

I have never had a religion and still have never had any difficulty in letting people know that I am concerned for their welfare and safety. People who say they will pray for you should instead say they hope you will be safe and that the hurricane will pass through without too much damage. If god sends hurricanes in the first place then why would anyone pray to the same god to deliver them safely from it. Makes no sense does it?

I’m thinking of you. Stay safe.

Ask if there is anything practical you can do. A list of emergency numbers to call just in case, money you can send, phone calls checking in through out the ordeal. I find practical suggestions to show both concern and a willingness to actually do something other than the hollowness of prayers.

send money. send supplies. go in person to help rebuild.

g

My thoughts are with you.
Simple and sincere

It depends on the relationship you have with the person you are concerned about. From " I hope you are able to stay safe" to " come sleep on my couch with your 4 kids and 3 dogs for as long as you need" I've been seeing on Facebook long long lists of responses to "pray for me" of "praying" "praying for your famy" "praying" as if the person needs 100 prayers before feeling the love. Could it be that strangers saying "praying" is not actually helpful or fulfilling?

The only thing I can do is donate to the red cross disaster relief fund. They'll be there in force as soon as it's safe to help victims start putting their lives back together.

unless you can physically offer some help after take cares about the best you can do the rest.....

Send money to charities that assist with the cleanup effort. Send blankets and other supplies to the shelters in the affected area.

Cash. Or go help. Interesting post. I was just watching TV the other morning and they were talking about the limousine that crashed and killed 20 people. The news anchor said we send them our thoughts and prayers. I just thought to myself how useless that is. It's not going to help those people at all. The people who have lost loved ones are right now in the state of shock and don't even know which way is up.

I usually say "I'll be thinking about you." If the person chooses to interpret that as prayer, fine. But to me it means I will contact them later to see how they are holding up, if I can help, etc.
Unless it's my dad. Because apparently, WHEN I CALL THE CRANKY OLD COOT TO SEE IF HE'S HAVING ANY DAMAGE FROM THE HURRICANE HE THINKS ITS COOL TO SNAP AT ME. And how hard is it to put the fucking storm shutters on the house, cuz they're not helping in the garage??

Not bitter. Just reporting the news.

"We don't need this!" South Carolina residents complain about the latest hurricane.

What they need is to vote for Democrats who agree that climate change (global warming) is real and happening NOW. And act to stop climate change.

Thirty years ago, we knew climate change will create: mega-hurricanes, monster tornadoes, catastrophic flooding, massive wildfires, prolonged drought, increased temperatures, melting glaciers, super-storms, world-wide human migration, animal extinctions and starvation.

"Climate change is a Chinese hoax," Trump stupidly said. Republicans are in the pocket of oil and coal producers.

Vote Republicans out of office! Midterm elections are November 6, 2018.

It's great to see so many replies on this topic. It also proves you don't need Jesus to have some humanity. I will be looking for a volunteer group to travel there and help clean up if and when it is required.

"How can I help?"

You could Google “Hurricane Michael relief” or something like that. As another member already commented, organizations like the Red Cross will be there on the ground, and there should be opportunities to donate monetarily, or in-kind with canned food, blankets, pet food for people’s animals ... I’ve heard that for the larger organizations that already have the infrastructure and experience, stuff is less valuable than the money to pay for stuff. Good on you for caring!

The simple answer is YOU DON'T! Unless you're a rescue/relief professional there isn't a damn thing you can do about a natural disaster. Just be thankful it isn't YOU or your loved ones.
You didn't cause it, nor could you prevent it. Shit happens.

IMHO, prayer works as well as rubbing a genie's lamp but you have to do what works for you. My mom is down there and I haven't heard from her so...

Donate, then vote for a Congress that believes in climate change.

As so many others have commented, do something tangible -- donate through a legitimate charity. Prayers don't substitute for actually doing something.

I live in Panama City. I evacuated, but will be heading back tomorrow. Already getting the "thoughts and prayers" comments. I just say thanks, as they all mean well.

Unless you have money, there really isnt anything you can do. They are going to go through some really tough times.

Donate to Habitat for Humanity or Salvation Army that help rebuild, for one....there are good charities that DO stuff!