RESOURCES
Disaster Response Committee
The Disaster Relief Committee implements new and creative ways to better prepare the membership of the IATSE in the unfortunate event of a disaster and to assist our members in recovering from natural and man-made disasters when they occur.
Preparedness Links
- Ready.Gov, preparedness tips: https://www.Ready.gov
- Get Prepared Canada, Canadian Preparedness tips: https://www.getprepared.gc.ca/index-eng.aspx
- Spanish language preparedness site: https://www.listo.gov/es
- US – Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) – https://www.osha.gov/topics
- Canada – Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) – https://www.ccohs.ca
- US – https://www.ready.gov/wildfires
- Canada – firesmoke.ca
National Hurricane Center – Storm Tracking
- Atlantic – https://www.nhc.noaa.gov
- Eastern Pacific – https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/?epac
- Central Pacific (HI) – https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/?cpac
On Twitter, @NWS and @NHC_Atlantic
US Geological Survey – https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/map/
NOAA Tsunami Warning – https://www.tsunami.gov
Industry Safety Bulletin – https://www.csatf.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/35HOT_TEMPS.pdf
OSHA – https://www.osha.gov/heat
These apps are available through the Apple and Android stores but may have a cost associated with downloading or using them:
- MyRadar
- Hurricane Tracker
- Red Cross – has several different apps for different types of events plus First Aid and pet First aid
- FEMA’s official app – event tracking, shelter lists, post event information and assistance
- Firesmoke.ca
- Your Local television station – may also have a specific weather app
The Richard F. Walsh/Alfred W. Di Tolla/Harold P. Spivak Foundation is a charitable foundation which is funded by individual contributions and a portion of the revenue from the sale of each per capita stamp.
The Foundation provides scholarships for the children of IATSE members and makes charitable contributions to entertainment related charities as well as other worthwhile charities and foundations.
Funds from the Walsh/Di Tolla/Spivak Foundation can help pay for food, clothing, shelter, and other necessities for IATSE members affected by natural disasters. In the past, the IATSE has disbursed funds to support members affected by wildfires, tornadoes, hurricanes, and earthquakes. Please note that the Walsh/Di Tolla/ Spivak Foundation is not intended to provide funds for those affected by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Individual IATSE members needing assistance should submit a written request to their local union indicating their name and present contact information as well as a brief description of the reason they are seeking assistance. The local union will then forward the request to the Foundation for review by the Foundation trustees. Donations should be made payable to the “Walsh/Di Tolla/Spivak Foundation” and mailed to:
The Walsh/Di Tolla/Spivak Foundation c/o IATSE
207 W. 25th St., 4th Fl.
New York, NY 10001
Individual IATSE Members residing in Canada that have been impacted by a natural disaster should submit a written request to Andrew Oyaas, International Trustee and Disasters Response Committee Chair, indicating their name and present contact information as well as a brief description of the reason they are seeking assistance.
While credit card donations from individual members can be made, we highly encourage check donations as it is easier for our staff to process. Members can make credit card donations by calling the IATSE General Office at 212-730-1770. Donations on behalf of local unions must be made by check. Thank you for your generosity.
Current disasters eligible for aid through the Walsh/Di Tolla/Spivak Foundation:
- May 2023 Nova Scotia Wildfires
- Southern California Earthquake
- The Reno/Lake Tahoe Caldor Fire
- Hurricane Ida
- Lytton, British Columbia Forest fire
- Monte Lake, British Columbia Forest fire
- Hurricane Fiona
- Hurricane Ian
Other Financial Grants:
Behind The Scenes Assistance Grant: https://wp.behindthescenescharity.org/who-is-eligible-for-a-grant/
Actors Fund Assistance Grant: https://actorsfund.org/am-i-eligible-help
Find A Food Bank in Your State: https://www.nalc.org/community-service/food-drive/2021-donor-drive
Committee Members
Andrew Oyaas
International Trustee and Committee Chair
Daniel Mahoney
Dawn Arevalo
Wade Tyree
Damian Petti
Jonas Loeb
