Be very careful before writing checks to these non profits which are geared toward helping the victims. Find out what per cent of your gift will go to the victims and what per cent will they keep for future disasters or their own administrative costs. My maximum limit for charity expenses and future disasters is 5%. At least then I know that 95% will go where it is needed. We saw from the Red Cross activities after the September 11 terrorist attacks that some charities were holding donations for future catastrophes. And they were of course exposed for doing that.