However, we have a growing problem: Our unsung American heroes are worn out — and some are even leaving the disaster response workforce. Estimates of the depression rate among disaster response and rescue workers are as high as 53%, according to the National Center for PTSD. As citizens, we have a duty to conserve our vital and limited public safety resources, such as emergency management personnel. By minimizing non-essential requests, we enable our disaster responders to more swiftly and effectively act during ongoing crises. On our worst days, we need disaster responders at their best.

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Persons: Pete Gaynor, I’ve, Pete Gaynor Pete Gaynor, We’ve, ” Pete Gaynor, Hurricane Florence, Andrew Caballero Organizations: Federal Emergency Management Agency, FEMA, Department of Homeland Security, Hill International, CNN, Government, Office, GAO, National Center, Emergency Management, Missouri, Reynoolds, Getty, National Centers for Environmental, Twitter, Facebook Locations: Paradise , California, Hurricane, Lealand , North Carolina, AFP