From Antarctica to New York, recovery volunteers helping out

Dave Dieter/The Huntsville TimesVolunteers continue to help Alabama cities and communities recover from the devastating April 27, 2011, storms.

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- As victims of the April 27 tornadoes continue to recover from the devastation in Alabama, only 48,000 of them have applied for federal money to help the process along, which some readers feel reflects the success of the local volunteer effort. Recovery officials say that number is relatively low for a disaster of this proportion, The Birmingham News reports. Victims either haven't heard about the opportunity to receive federal aid, do not believe they qualify, are reluctant to seek government help or are still recuperating from the traumatic event, the report says. Some readers are encouraging victims to seek FEMA's help during the recovery, while others feel the people of Alabama are doing a more-than-adequate job at rebuilding on their own without the federal government's help.

Here's what you had to say:

• There is help out there people. Simply ask for it. There is no shame in asking. You paid taxes all these years and that is what programs like FEMA are for. Take this opportunity while your cable is out to ween yourself off of FOX NEWS and you will be much better off.
• Even if you are well-insured and/or wealthy - register with FEMA! This affects the amount of dollars that will be earmarked for recovery and reconstruction in Alabama - especially for those who are not rich or insured. Some folks just need more help than others, so help them! The tornadoes of two weeks ago were bi-partisan! They did not discriminate between the rich, the poor, the Democrats or the Republicans! While we may be divided on our political beliefs, we are one in damage and destruction. Please, please register with FEMA if you have ANY storm damages!
• I don't think this is that surprising. The outpouring of help from all over has been incredible. If I lost everything and I have insurance for my home and I have family and neighbors showering me with assistance and a temporary place to live, why do I need FEMA? Now if I have no family and no insurance and no outpouring of neighbors-community, I would register and get help. Alabama people seem to be helping Alabama people
  
• The churches and volunteer groups are doing an astounding job. Construction crews, demo crews, food, water, temp shelter, clothes, toys, and propane are but a few things I know our church sent. Multiply that by the number of churches in the area and if even half of them are helping those in need then we are doing a good job of caring for each other.
• I live in Tuscaloosa. A close friend lives in The Downs, a devastated neighborhood directly in the path of the tornado, She had car insurance to cover the chimney that fell on her car (no deductible required) and the damage to her home was covered except for a $500 deductible. Her homeowners' agent told her that he would waive the deductible if she used one of several roofing companies that were working with the insurance company. She did. And friends put her up. We even had the food from her refrigerator at our house so she didn't even lose that. At the end of the day, for the loss of a tree, a near-death experience (she was home during the tornado) and a huge amount of stress, she will get a new roof, new siding, new windows on one side of the house, a new chimney, and a general fix-up. Why would she need help from FEMA?
• There is probably a problem in communication. Many people do not keep up with the news. They probably don't know how to contact FEMA or where to go for assistance. Some people are still dealing with the shock and are delaying the request for assistance. Some simply don't know what type of aid is available or if they qualify. The key is communication and getting the word out. The response will then be greater. 
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• Good!!! I hope that our communities can lift themselves up by their bootstraps rather than rely on the government. It would please me to no end for the Washington crowd to be upset that Alabama recovered from these disasters own its own rather than begging for money from the government. - 
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• Alabama can't recover from this on its own. It's not even possible...The scope of this disaster is so massive that it can't be done. The state will be bankrupted by it without federal aid. Even the debris removal will cost billions.