Our thoughts and hearts are with the people, families, and communities impacted by the tornadoes and severe weather that devastated Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Arkansas, Illinois, Missouri and the Southeast and Midwest regions.
Resources
- Emergency and Severe Weather Resources
Source: Southeast ADA Center
Web: adasoutheast.org/resources/emergency-storm-weather/ - ADA National Network
Connect with the ADA Center for your state
Phone: 1-800-949-4232
Web: adata.org - National Disaster Distress Helpline
For 24/7 emotional support
Call or Text: 1-800-985-5990
American Sign Language: ASL Now or call from your videophone.
En español: Línea de Ayuda para los Afectados por Catástrofes
Web: DisasterDistress.samhsa.gov
Follow #TalkWithUs
“How to Help” After A Disaster
To help and make the most of your contributions, it’s important to follow guidelines for donating and volunteering responsibly. Keep in mind recovery lasts a lot longer than media attention. There will be volunteer needs for many months, often many years, after the disaster. Your help is often needed long after a disaster.
To help survivors in Kentucky:
- Team Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund
Web: TeamWKYReliefFund.ky.gov - Related: From Kentucky and FEMA: President Biden approves Emergency Declaration for Kentucky
Web: fema.gov
To find trusted organizations to donate and volunteer:
- National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD)
Web: nvoad.org- Before collecting donated items, confirm the items are needed, and how it will get to affected areas. Organizations on the ground know what items and quantities are needed, often buy in bulk with discounts and, if possible, purchase through businesses local to the disaster, which supports economic recovery.
- Financial contributions to recognized disaster relief organizations are the fastest, most flexible and most effective method of donating. Find a list of trusted organizations that can put your generous contributions to the best possible use.
- Don’t self-deploy to disaster areas. Trusted organizations operating in the affected areas know where volunteers are needed. Work with an established non-profit organization to make sure you have the appropriate safety, training and skills needed to respond.
Source: FEMA
Web: fema.gov/press-release/20211212/fema-continues-response-tornado-damaged-areas
Fraud and Scams
Resources to Help Prevent, Recognize and Report Scams and Fraud
Source: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)
Web: consumerfinance.gov
en español: Recursos pueden ayudarle a reconocer, evitar e informar sobre estafas y fraudes
Source: Oficina para la Protección Financiera del Consumidor (CFPB, por sus siglas en inglés)
liga: consumerfinance.gov
English