ICNA Relief requests community support to help survivors of the tornado in Oklahoma

A powerful tornado blasted an area outside of Oklahoma City, leveling homes and killing at least 51 people. At least seven of the dead are children from Plaza Towers Elementary School in Moore, a suburb of Oklahoma City. According to initial reports, relief workers have difficulty in reaching to the survivors. 

ICNA Relief has activated its disaster relief team for immediate deployment in the area. There are 7 Masajid and Islamic center in the greater Oklahoma area and Muslim population is estimated more than 15,000. 

ICNA Relief has responded to 18 disasters within last two years and was declared the New Yorker of the Week by channel NY1 for outstanding services in the aftermath of hurricane Sandy in New York and New Jersey. 

Depending on the needs in the affected area and of availability of resources, plans are underway to provide the following services: 

• • Distributing Information and Referrals (I&R) to local/state/federal disaster related services, needed to recover
  • Debris removal (removing damaged household contents and tree debris)
  • Chain saw crews (to remove downed trees from damaged homes)
  • Muck out teams (pull out wet carpet, Sheetrock and insulation; remove 4-8 feet of sheet rock)
  • Tarping (High winds remove shingles and water/rain would severely increase the damage of houses. Installing large blue plastic sheets on roofs, “tarping”, prevents this.)
  • Emotional and Spiritual Care (supports the mental and spiritual conditions worsened by stressful circumstances)
  • Case Management (working with disaster impacted families and individuals to assist, support, and guide them through established federal/state/local governmental programs and faith-based disaster assistance programs)

Please donate generously to help fellow citizens at the time of need. Register to volunteer. 

Press Contact: Umber Siddiqi 
Assistant Director for Public Affairs
ICNA Relief USA
E-mail:  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
www.icnarelief.org
Office: (718) 658-7028 Extension: 126
Disaster Support Hotline (888) 616-6865

Collecting Supplies for Survivors of Explosion at Texas Fertilizer Plant

ICNA Relief USA is deeply saddened to hear of the lives lost and injuries sustained from the deadly explosion in West, TX on Wednesday 4/17/13. All are in our prayers.

ICNA Relief USA's disaster response team members are in constant contact with state and local agencies, as well as partner agencies from Texas VOAD (Volunteer Organizations Active in Disasters) to stay up to date on current status, while supporting the community's efforts.

Because this small town's community is so tightly knit, the need for Red Cross emergency shelters is very small. Although, survivors who are temporarily living with family and neighbors may have urgent needs for additional food and will probably need financial assistance in recovering from the impact to their homes and furnishings. Currently, in Houston and Dallas, ICNA Relief USA is working with its local chapters and the local Muslim community to gather needed supplies which include baby items, senior items, hygiene products, new/packaged clothing, and non-perishable foods. We will work with local partner agencies in West, TX to distribute these goods to those in need. Monetary donations are also being accepted to help support the survivors of this deadly explosion.

Volunteers in the Dallas, TX area and in Houston are collecting funds and food, and standing by to further assist, as needed.

Houston POC: Abdur Rehman Badat (281) 857-1615
Dallas POC: Zahid Hussain (214) 744 9671

A Muslim woman was attacked near the Malden Center Train Station while walking her young child in a stroller. A white male approached her, hitting her shoving her once and yelling explicit, racial epithets at her "You are a terrorist, you are responsible for the bombings". The Sister, scared and shaken was able to call police and a report has been filed.  

If you or someone you know has been attacked or a victim of backlash please report immediately to the proper authorities. If in the Boston area and in need of support, please contact ICNA Relief Boston at 347-754-1067 or email  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . 

Here are some safety tips for sisters

Here are some safety tips for sisters

1. Always be aware of your surroundings

This applies whether you are traveling alone or in groups. Don’t just focus inwardly on your thoughts if you are alone, or your friends if you are together. Keep one eye out for your environment, looking out for suspicious characters, possible danger, etc.

Also, don’t assume that because your area has been "safe" thus far, that it will continue to be so.

2. Travel in groups

"There is safety in numbers" is not just a cliche. It’s true. Make a point of traveling together with other sisters, whether it’s on public transportation, on campus, in cars, etc.

3. Change the route you normally travel by

If you’ve taken the same bus, train or highway to get to work or school, change your route. Even if it takes you a little longer, your safety is more important. By changing your route, you can avert possible attacks or harassment from those who know your schedule, method and route of travel well. Please note though that you should avoid short cuts that take you through unfamiliar or unsafe areas.

4. Look confident

Walk with a straight posture and your arms swinging by your sides. Avoid slouching or walking like a victim. This makes you an easy target for attackers.

5. When riding by public transportation choose the right seat

If you are riding by bus or train, do not sit on the window seat as you may be "blocked in" by a potential assailant. Always select the seat next to the aisle so that you can quickly leave if necessary.

If you are taking public transportation alone after peak hours, sit as close to the driver as possible and/or choose the section of the bus/train that is most crowded. Try to get a seat near the exit as well.

6. If you are driving alone

Don’t think that if you are in a car, you’re safe. Windows should be up and doors locked even when driving to avoid unwanted passengers at intersections. When you are walking to your car, always have your keys ready, so that you can quickly get into your car.

But don’t just get in right away. Always check your car before entering, especially the back, for any intruders.

7. Never leave your car door unlocked

Even if it means for one minute to drop something off in the mailbox that’s a few feet away. Attackers have been known to lie in wait for such an opportunity.

8. Be careful in parking lots

Always be alert in parking lots, especially when it's dark. Ask someone to escort you to your car. Between cars and inside cars, it's easy for someone to hide and wait until an unalert person comes along.

9. If you are traveling by taxi

Always check the identification of the driver (usually located near the visor) and ensure that it matches the driver. Once inside, don't sit behind the driver as it may be easy for the driver to lock the rear passenger door. Always choose the adjacent seat .

In addition, avoid flagging taxis. Always order taxis so the driver can be traced if something happens.

10. Don’t use the walkman

If you’re used to listening to your walkman while outside, drop this habit, especially in isolated areas. With your walkman on, you cannot hear the approach of a possible attacker.

11. Note "safe houses" along your route

Mentally note houses at intervals on each route you take that can be used as "safe houses" if you are attacked, such as shops or houses that you know to be occupied by a friend or acquaintance.

12. When you make a call from a phone booth

After dialing the number you wish to call always turn around so that you have your back to the phone and may see who or what is coming your way. You will then be able to tell the person to whom you are speaking that you may be in trouble and you may be able to use the weight of the phone as a weapon. The door of a telephone box could be used to wedge in the limbs of the attacker.

13. Do not open the door of your home without checking

DO NOT open the door to your home without first checking from a window, peephole or by asking and verifying who it is. Instruct children to do the same.

14. Report any suspicious activity around your home

If you see people loitering on the streets near your house, call the police on a non emergency number and report it.

15. Invest in a cell phone

This is an invaluable safety device. Keep it with you at all times and keep emergency numbers on it. Also, keep it next to your bed before you go to bed at night. Cell phones were first popularized by women as a security device, business people came later.

16. Parking tips

Avoid parking in areas that are not well lit. Where possible, park close to a school or work entrance or in a parking garage that has an attendant.

If you see a suspicious person approaching or hanging around near your parked car, turn around and go back to an area where there are other people. Try to get an escort to your car through the campus or job security or local police.

17. Tell others about your whereabouts

Parents, spouses and friends should know where you are going and when you will be back, so that your absence will be noticed. Arrange a call in system with a friend if you live alone, whereby you call when you arrive home.

18. Trust your instincts

If you are walking somewhere and feel strange or scared, don’t ignore this feeling. Take extra precautions by walking a little faster to get to a more populated or well-lit area or change the route you’ve been driving on.

19. If you think you are being followed, change your route and activity.

You can cross the street, change directions, or enter a populated building or store. Do whatever is necessary to avoid being alone with the person who is following you. Inform a police officer or security official about the

follower.

20. Attract attention if you are in a dangerous situation.

Get others’ to pay attention to what's happening to you if you are under attack or being harassed. You can alert others by honking a car horn or loudly describing what is happening.

21. NEVER admit that you are alone

If someone calls your home and asks if you are alone, NEVER admit it. Ask who the caller is. If they refuse to identify themselves, calmly hangup. Keep the radio on in the house so that callers will get the impression that others are in the home too. Instruct children to do the same when they pick up the phone.

22. Obscene phone calls

If you receive an obscene call or a crank call, do not talk to the caller. Hang up if the caller doesn’t say anything, or as soon as s/he shouts obscenities. Hang up the phone calmly and do not slam it down. Note down the date and time of the calls. If they are persistent, inform local police.

23. If you are a student

Avoid studying in isolated classrooms in parts of the college campus that are not regularly patrolled by the school’s security officers.

24. In large buildings take the elevator, not the stairwell

Stairwells are usually quiet and dark. Most people take the elevator. But if someone creepy gets on, don’t hesitate to get off at the same time. Or, if someone is already on the elevator who you feel strange about, do not get on and wait for the next elevator. 
 

By Samana Siddiqui