Gulf and Tampa Bay Beaches Need Volunteer Help and Donations for Oil Spill
Everyone Can Help
Whatever happens, Florida's beautiful Gulf Coast and Tampa Bay are bracing for the worst. Since April 20th oil has been gushing out of a well drilled by British Petroleum products at the rate of 200,000 gallons a day, and nothing has been able to stop it.
At this time it is not certain which of the Gulf of Mexico communities will be affected by the spreading oil, but there is a great possibility that the beautiful Gulf beaches and Tampa Bay may be in its path. Florida Governor Charlie Crist has already declared the area an emergency.
Agencies are already suggesting ways citizens can help. Money and gift cards are always welcome and human volunteers are greatly needed.
However there are some unusual and low tech items volunteer agencies are requesting that have proved valuable in sopping up oil.
They are.....
Freshly washed and rinsed pet or human hair.... Clean hair is an oil magnet which can be woven into brooms and mats.
Wool fiber from sheep farmers, or used wool clothing.... Wool, like hair absorbs oil.
Panty hose (used but washed) which can be used to create a boom or sponge stuffed with hair or absorbent fiber like wool
Basic Blue Dawn dishwashing detergent....Basic Blue Dawn is gentle and repels and suspends grease on bird wild life. The other varieties could be harmful to wildlife.
Brushes...Soft bristled to remove grease from the birds, and hard bristled to clean the cages.
Clean T shirts for rescuers to change into. Sitting around with crude oil on their clothes is unhealthy and dangerous.
Local Agencies need volunteers.
The Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary needs helpers for injured birds and coastal cleanups....linens, sheets, towels pet carriers, kennels, pet carriers and any of the articles listed above. For information call 727-391-6211 or visit www.seabirdsanctuary.com
Save Our Seabirds Inc .needs sheets, towels and volunteers. Call 941-388-3010 or visit www.saveourseabirds.org.
Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota needs volunteers for cleanup. Go to www.mote.org
To report an oiled shoreline or request volunteer information... call 866-448-5816.
To submit technologies, products or services that can help with the cleanup call 281-366-5511.
Everyone can do something to save our beautiful Gulf of Mexico.... its wildlife and its beaches.
Sources:
St. Pete Times
TBO.com
Bay news 9.com
Published by Memmay Moore
I am a transfer to Tampa from Boston where I had many years experience in health and nutrition education. I am now enjoying a new career in writing and photography. View profile
Gulf of Mexico British Petroleum Oil SpillHere's a recap and the latest on the Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill...
Piracy Could Threaten Security and Economics of the U.S. Through the Gul...The Gulf of Mexico has historically been a pirate haven. Now in the modern world with the critical importance of oil and gas to the economic welfare of the United States, especi...
500,000 Barrels of Oil Leak into Gulf of MexicoOil and natural gas seepage from underground sources is common in the world's seas. In the Gulf of Mexico, oil seepage produces an astounding amount of entirely natural pollution.- Gulf of Mexico Dead Zone Expands, U.S. SaysThis story highlights reports from government reports on the dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico expansion. The increase will harm fish and environment.
- More Natural Grasses, Less Fertilizer Could Help Gulf of MexicoA new book says more sustainable agricultural practices could reduce the nitrogen runoff killing fish in the Gulf of Mexico.
- Disaster in the Gulf of Mexico. Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill
- Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill: the Containment Commences
- Huge Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill
- Oil Spill in Gulf of Mexico
- A Travel Guide for Tampa Bay, Florida
- A Vacation Guide to Tampa Bay
- Concerns of the Effects of the Oil Spill in the Tampa Bay Region
34 Comments
Post a CommentGood information, Mem. Let's hope we - in Tampa Bay - won't have to use it. Michael
Good reporting on a sad topic. Nice job. Laura Everly
I heard BP has ordered the volunteers to go home, saying they will take care of the animals with their own people!
This is terrible. Before people volunteer to go out and help clean up, they need to truly understand the health implications of doing that and understand what personal protective equipment they need to wear at all times. Many of those volunteers from the Valdez spill are very sick and some have died. If you aren't familiar with the documentary "Black Wave" about this important issue, check it out.
Such an aweful accident.
This is a good service to post this great info
I love the idea of enlisting volunteers, they are the backbone of America. Great points indeed. I hope they keep the oil from your part of paradise my friend.
Good reporting. It's such a sad situation.
My heart goes out.
PV love :).