How To Help Tornado Victims

This week's catastrophic tornadoes have leveled communities across six states. People you know, or you yourself, may be affected by the severe weather in the South. Here are just a few of the resources you can use to help out.

• The American Red Cross is always one of best ways to give assistance. They are providing temporary food and shelter to those in affected areas, and are in need of money, blood and relief supplies. You can send a text message to 90999 with the message "REDCROSS" to donate $10, or visit your local Red Cross office to donate blood. The Red Cross has also set up a Safe and Well page to help locate missing people.
• The Salvation Army has set up stations in multiple areas to provide food to storm victims. Text "GIVE" to 80888 to donate money. The Salvation Army also needs clothing, blankets and other necessities, which you can donate at your closest Salvation Army location.
• Robert Bentley, governor of Alabama, has set up a site where you can donate directly to the state's emergency relief fund. Volunteers with medical or emergency preparedness training can also use the site to locate the closest volunteer reception center. Mississippi has a similar site where you can donate to that state's disaster relief fund.
• A Facebook page has been set up to try and help locate personal effects displaced by the storms and to help people put their lives back together.
• Victims of the storm are urged to contact FEMA directly to register for assistance. Residents can go to DisasterAssistance.gov or call (800) 621-3362 to apply for federal aid.