7 Inspiring Acts of Kindness by Americans In Response to Hurricane Harvey

It is during trying times such as Texas reeling from the devastation of Hurricane Harvey that the fighting spirit, solidarity and kindness of Americans shine brightest. Many have suffered a great deal from the rains and the floods, and continue to struggle, but so many have also courageously and generously come forward to help out their countrymen in need.

Here are some of the inspiring acts of kindness shown by Americans for their fellow beings during Hurricane Harvey:

1.Great and Admirable Work from Emergency Services and Volunteers

The contributions of first responders and emergency works, reinforced by the numerous generosity of volunteers have contributed immeasurably to the rescue efforts following the destruction and devastation of Hurricane Harvey.

The Houston Police Department for one rescued 3,000 from flooding in their homes.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Midwest Patrol <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HoustonStrong?src=hash">#HoustonStrong</a> <a href="https://t.co/WE3qbMF6Oq">pic.twitter.com/WE3qbMF6Oq</a></p>&mdash; Houston Police (@houstonpolice) <a href="https://twitter.com/houstonpolice/status/902906211435249664">August 30, 2017</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

2.Beyond Journalism, Towards Humanity

Make no mistake about it, a journalist’s role at any time, even during the worst of disasters, is first and foremost to bring news and information that matter to the nation and the country. But journalists are also humans and good citizens, that’s why it’s no surprising that Brandi Smith, a journalist for Houston news website KHOU, went beyond the call of duty to flag down a rescue boat live on-air, and directed the rescuers to a truck which she described as alarmingly trapped in 10 feet of water. Due to her persistence and determination, not only did she come out with a great and compelling story visually and emotionally, but her efforts were crucial in saving the truck driver’s life. She alerted the rescuers just in time as the truck was fast filling up with water. She also continuously gave assurances to the driver that he’ll be saved while waiting for the rescuers. The hug the grateful driver later gave her was so heartfelt.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Incredible, watch as <a href="https://twitter.com/BrandiKHOU">@BrandiKHOU</a> flags down a rescue boat on-air, saving this truck driver&#39;s life <a href="https://t.co/EVvNbdt13k">https://t.co/EVvNbdt13k</a> <a href="https://t.co/3mYi9McniB">pic.twitter.com/3mYi9McniB</a></p>&mdash; Hayley Jones (@meetmissjoness) <a href="https://twitter.com/meetmissjoness/status/901842658213191683">August 27, 2017</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

3. Donating Water

Water is the most essential to humans’ survival, unfortunately during disasters such as severe flooding, dehydration and losing access to safe drinking water become one of the toughest challenges of survivors and communities.

The Anheuser-Busch brewing company headquartered in Missouri temporarily stopped its highly profitable beer production line, and dedicated its resources and manpower to creating water to send to victims of Hurricane Harvey.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AnheuserBusch?src=hash">#AnheuserBusch</a> halts beer production and sends water to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HurricaneHarvey?src=hash">#HurricaneHarvey</a> victims.<br>-<br>Great job <a href="https://twitter.com/Budweiser">@budweiser</a>. <a href="https://t.co/17sUsFEX5z">pic.twitter.com/17sUsFEX5z</a></p>&mdash; The Best Drink Ever (@FindTBDE) <a href="https://twitter.com/FindTBDE/status/902335246225379328">August 29, 2017</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

4.Rescuing Pets

Americans are big on pets, especially dogs and cats, that for many, such domesticated animals are considered part of the family. Unfortunately, in the chaos and confusion brought by the disasters, many pets are left behind by families fleeing from the floods. Volunteers stepped up to come to the rescue of pets in need like in the case of those from Bay Area Pet Adoptions who helped Betty Walter and 21 dogs in her care. They gallantly loaded the pooches into a single, long boat and transport them to safety.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Good Samaritans helped a woman rescue 21 dogs from Houston floods <a href="https://t.co/XYCWQDRCad">https://t.co/XYCWQDRCad</a> <a href="https://t.co/krKZKnA7hT">pic.twitter.com/krKZKnA7hT</a></p>&mdash; Erin Ruberry (@erinruberry) <a href="https://twitter.com/erinruberry/status/902863221052276736">August 30, 2017</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

5.Giving a Helping Hand to the Vulnerable

Touching and humanity-affirming photos of emergency services dominated social media for a change in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey’s wrath. One image stood out and went viral as it became a symbol of community- that image of Deputy Sheriff Johnson of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office carrying two kids on both his arms as he wade through thigh-deep waters.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">HCSO deputies are out in the Blackhorse subdivision still working high water rescues. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Harvey?src=hash">#Harvey</a> <a href="https://t.co/gBFwSaoPjo">pic.twitter.com/gBFwSaoPjo</a></p>&mdash; HCSOTexas (@HCSOTexas) <a href="https://twitter.com/HCSOTexas/status/901887615070347266">August 27, 2017</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

6. Caring for the Elderly

15 senior citizens whose care home was flooded were also rescued after their situation of being stuck in chest-deep waters was brought to the attention of emergency workers following a photo of them uploaded by Twitter user Timoth McIntosh has gone viral.

As a heartwarming consequence of people’s caring and concern, another ‘after’ photo has soon emerged showing the elderly citizens safe and dry.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Remember the heartbreaking pic of Tx Sr Citizens stuck in chest deep water in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Harvey?src=hash">#Harvey</a>? New pic:They&#39;re safe, warm &amp; dry! <a href="https://twitter.com/CBSNews">@CBSNews</a> <a href="https://t.co/T6RDVl9ggZ">pic.twitter.com/T6RDVl9ggZ</a></p>&mdash; Omar Villafranca (@OmarVillafranca) <a href="https://twitter.com/OmarVillafranca/status/902288720233193472">August 28, 2017</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

7. Furniture Store Converts Itself Into a Shelter Home

Gallery Furniture, a huge furniture outlet in Houston, on Sunday opened its doors as an evacuation center and shelter for residents made homeless by the floods.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Our GF N FRWY &amp; GF Grand Parkway locations are open for those in need.If you can safely join us, we invite you for free food &amp; safe shelter. <a href="https://t.co/NqNdLo2iIP">pic.twitter.com/NqNdLo2iIP</a></p>&mdash; Gallery Furniture (@GFToday) <a href="https://twitter.com/GFToday/status/901939314572931072">August 27, 2017</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The simple yet heroic acts of kindness prove that indeed America is a great place to be, in good or bad times.

Source:

https://www.indy100.com/article/hurricane-harvey-houston-acts-of-kindness-inspiring-7922366