Vanessa Urbach, a crime prevention specialist for the Omaha Police Department’s Southwest Precinct shared this information about flood and relief efforts to Nextdoor on Monday, March 18 (see the original post here).
Read also “Nebraska Flood Cleanup Tip Sheet” from Omaha Magazine and the Douglas County Health Department.
2019 Nebraska Flood Relief Information
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Please be aware, there are unfortunately some very unkind people that prey on both those in need and those wanting to help. If you are receiving phone calls/emails asking for money to help with flood victims, please ask questions and know there is a high probability it could be a scam. Do your research and see the information below on ways to DIRECTLY help those in need. If you know of other agencies or would like me to share other information—please email me or send me a message here.
Here is some information on legit agencies:
General Information
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- Website post from Share Omaha: (click here)r
- Article from the Omaha World-Herald: (click here)r
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The Salvation Army
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- Volunteering: 402-898-6050
- If you’re in the Omaha metro and you need help with flood-related issues: 402-898-6050
- If you would like to help by donating to the flood-relief effort, click here.r
- The donation center at the old Canfield’s located near 84th & Center will be open Monday (3/18) through Friday (3/22) from 12:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.
- rFor more floor-relief information: salarmyomaha.orgr
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American Red Cross
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- rVolunteering: visit redcross.orgr
- rMake a donation at redcross.org/donater
- rTo donate blood or platelets, make an appointment at redcrossblood.orgr
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Road Closure Information
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- 511.nebraska.gov
- Also, a reminder: Driving around barricades/on closed roads will result in criminal prosecution. Individuals could be charged with “criminal trespassing in the second degree.” This is a Class 3 misdemeanor and carries the possibility of up to 90 days in jail, a $500 fine or both.
- Additionally, in more serious situations where law enforcement or first responders must use extreme resources and allocate extra time, individuals could face an additional charge of “obstructing government operations.” This offense is a Class 1 misdemeanor and carries the possibility of up to one year in jail, a $1,000 fine or both.
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For More Information
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- If you have any questions, feel free to contact Vanessa Urbach, crime prevention specialist for the Omaha Police Department’s Southwest Precinct. “I’d be happy to help the best I can,” she says.
- Email: vanessa.urbach@cityofomaha.orgr
- Phone: 402-444-7928
- Call 911 for emergencies
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About Vanessa Urbach
rUrbach is a civilian crime prevention specialist (CPS) for the Southwest Precinct of the Omaha Police Department. Each of the four Omaha Police Department precincts has a CPS. Each serves as a community liaison, working with neighborhood watch groups, community members, businesses, and citizens in general. The OPD crime prevention specialists also organize events for the community to meet officers in a neutral setting (Pop with a Cop, Coffee with a Cop, etc.) and to voice concerns, ask questions, and overall just get to know our officers.