by Tolu Orekoya

As Nigerians commiserate with the families, loved ones, and friends of those who lost their lives in the Dana Air crash flight 0992 of June 3, 2012, the sense that Lagosians and Nigerians are tightly knit communities is very much present, and many feel a deep sense of willingness to help.

So what can you do?

Most importantly, stay away from the crash site. Emergency services clearing debris, removing the deceased, and making the site of the crash safe, need the room to maneuver freely and the overwhelming crowds at the scene yesterday hampered emergency services from getting to and from the scene.

If you are on Twitter follow @BEACONS_NG, @WilDeji, @seunfakze and @KathleenNdongmo. They are organising and co-ordinating relief efforts online and are creating collection/drop off points for relief items, as well as calling for volunteers. YNaija.com’s Twitter handle (@YNaija) will be retweeting their messages on how you can help out. YNaija.com will also bring you updates as they occur.

Donate as you can. There are several groups of victims here. There are the families who lived at the crash site who lost their homes and belongings, injured ground survivors currently recuperating at hospitals, and of course, there are the bereaved families of those who lost their lives in the plane. If you are going to donate items, remember that there are not only adult victims, but children as well.

You can donate first-aid kits, cleaning supplies, sanitary supplies, and non-perishable food items.

Financial donations are the most effective way to help the crash victims. You may not be able to donate the time or be there physically, but your money will go to where it is best needed. Be careful, however. Many organisations claiming to raise money for the victims may not be doing so. Look for well-established charities with a solid track history of delivering on promise before donating.

Do not forget.