Providing Hope during disasters
Our Mission
Streamlining, coordinating and networking all aspects of the civilian response to natural and manmade disasters.
our story
Our disaster response team journey began in 2017 at the onset of Hurricane Irma, when a group of us was invited by mutual friends to assist in processing and verifying rescue requests through social media. Our initial efforts focused on Hurricanes Irma and, to a lesser extent, Maria. Recognizing the urgent need for timely and accurate information for those affected by disasters and their loved ones outside the impacted areas, we began creating and managing Facebook groups tailored to specific disasters and regions during the 2018 disaster season.
As Hurricane Florence approached, we officially adopted the name America's Lifeline Emergency Response Team, or A.L.E.R.T. Throughout 2018, we provided support during Hurricanes Florence and Michael, as well as the Woolsey and Camp Fires in California. Our efforts continued in 2019 with the Wetumpka and Beauregard tornadoes in Alabama, the historic flooding in the Midwest, and wildfires in Australia.
In April 2019, we officially incorporated as a nonprofit organization for disaster response. Over the following years, we responded to various disasters, including the Iowa Derecho, tornadoes in the Ohio Basin and Mid-South, and numerous tropical systems making landfall in the U.S. Our work in 2022 and 2023 included helping communities recover from wildfires, tornadoes, blizzards, and Hurricanes Ian, Nicole, and Idalia.
During 2024, we engaged in addressing the aftermath of multiple tornado outbreaks that devastated the heartland, as well as responding to wildfires in Colorado and California. We went into full disaster response mode, assisting with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton and created our Adopt A Family program. We are still actively assisting families in August 2025 in this program.
Throughout our journey, we have formed invaluable connections within the civilian disaster response community and recognized the need for improved coordination across our networks. While some of our original core team members remain with us, we have also been fortunate to welcome new disaster response team members who share our commitment to community service. Together, we strive to enhance our response efforts and support those in need during times of crisis.
Our Involvement
At America's Lifeline Emergency Response Team Foundation, we are dedicated to responding effectively to natural disasters. Our team has extensive experience in gathering critical information, deploying resources, and serving on the ground during crises. We have multiple state and regional dynamic social media groups we use to disseminate timely updates to the public during both natural and manmade disasters.
Our involvement spans a wide range of disaster relief efforts, including:
- Hurricanes: Harvey, Irma, Michael, Maria, Dorian, Florence, Ian, Nicole, Idalia, Helene and Milton.
- Wildfires: The Camp Fire in California and wildfires across Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, Colorado, and Arizona
Our Boots on the Ground teams have played a crucial role in evacuating individuals, large animals, and pets. We work together with local, state, and federal agencies, as well as organizations, to support relief initiatives.
In addition, we have established partnerships with local businesses and organizations to create resource hubs that offer hay, fencing materials, and human supplies, ensuring that those in need receive the support they require during challenging times.
Together, our disaster response team is committed to making a difference in the lives of those affected by disasters.
Ready to Activate
Our disaster response team is always prepared to respond to a disaster at a moment's notice. We continuously monitor weather patterns to foresee potential threats and utilize our social media platforms to share critical information, including preparedness tips, weather forecasts, and alerts from local, state, and federal agencies regarding evacuation notices, shelter openings, civil emergencies, and disaster relief efforts.
We aim to be a comprehensive resource for information before, during, and after a disaster. Our administrative services support on-the-ground operations by verifying information for welfare checks, managing logistics, and safely mapping routes to destinations. Additionally, we collaborate with other organizations to establish supply hubs, coordinate the evacuation of animal shelters, and much more!