Ways to help tornado victims in the South

Tornado aftermath in Cullman, Alabama. Photo: southerntabitha via Flickr.

Our thoughts are with people in the southern US where spring storms have struck. Please help where you can.

American Red Cross
The American Red Cross has set up shelters in many southern states to house people displaced by the storms. It is also serving meals, offering clean-up supplies, and seeking donations of blood.

• Donate to the Red Cross online at redcross.org.
• Text REDCROSS to 90999 on your mobile phone to donate $10 to relief efforts. The money will be billed to your wireless account.
• Call 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767) to give money or schedule a blood donation.

The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster Services is providing food, drinks and spiritual support to storm survivors in Alabama, Mississippi and Tennessee.

• To donate online, visit salvationarmyusa.org.
• You can also call 1-800-SAL-ARMY (1-800-725-2769) and designate “April 2011 Tornado Outbreak.”
• Text “GIVE” to 80888 to make a $10 donation.

Save the Children
The relief effort providing food, medical care and education to children is accepting donations online at j.mp/kbE3A6 or call 1-800-728-3843.

Alabama’s Emergency Relief Fund
The Alabama Governor’s Office of Faith-based and Community Initiatives helps residents, business and organizations when other avenues have relief have been exhausted. Visit servealabama.gov to give or volunteer.

Mississippi Disaster Recovery Fund
The governor’s office has created the fund to serve as a clearinghouse for donations and volunteer help. Visit mississippi.relief.com to give or volunteer.

St. Mark United Methodist Church
1421 McFarland Blvd., Northport, Alabama, 205-339-5990. The church is currently serving as a shelter for the displaced, and you can send it nonperishable food and clothes. If you’re in the area, they could also use volunteers with medical training.

Tornado preparation and safety tips

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Though you can’t do anything to prevent tornadoes, you can prepare beforehand, take precautions during a storm and avoid dangers afterwards, says the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/tornadoes/.

– Transition Voice