With a death toll expected to be over 100,000 casualties, the country of Haiti has yet to wake up from the nightmare that shook the city of Port-Au-Prince early Tuesday morning. The city “is flattened” said Haiti’s consul general to the U.N. Felix Augustin to CNN. With the lack of passable roads, electricity and telephone lines it remains difficult to get into the city for relief and assess the extent of damage.

President Rene Preval tells the media the country is in desperate need of medical help. While the number of casualties is unknown the lack of medical supplies and the destruction of a Port-Au-Prince hospital contribute to the rising number.

While the Red Cross, United Nations, Mexico, Canada the U.S., France, Germany and more have all prepared to aide, the country is still in a deep state of despair and destruction. While Haiti is not easily accessible at this point, there is still a great deal you can do to help.

1. Text HAITI to 90999 to donate $10 to Red Cross International Relief www.RedCross.com

2. Text YELE to 501501 to donate $5 to the Haiti Relief Fund www.HaitiReliefFund.org.

3. Register your skills for potential volunteer opportunities with the Center for International Disaster Information www.cidi.org.

4. Visit www.Interaction.org to find out which charities are sending disaster relief.

5. Contact your local officials: Mayors, Senators, Legislators and more have the power to send help and make change, ask them!

6. Blog? Have access to a social media site? Spread the word! If you absolutely can’t help in any other way, spread the word to someone who can. Speak out. If you  can help, share your experiences with others and inspire them to do the same.

7. Follow up: This disaster is new and as the days, weeks and months pass, more and more opportunities to help will present themselves. Don’t give up if you can’t leave for Haiti today. Before and long after the story leaves the newsrooms, the people of Haiti will need your assistance. Be sure to follow up online with new opportunities to help.

While there are many great charities out there looking to offer relief, there are unfortunately scammers who prey on the good efforts of citizens. Before choosing a charity to donate to, do your research. Visit www.CharityNavigator.org for reviews on various organizations. Every act of kindness counts and not one can we afford to waste on people who do not mean well.