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USA 2011 TORNADO NEWS & RESOURCES

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Tornado News

DHS Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships Issues Recommendations on How to Help Tornado Survivors in Joplin, MO and Other States (25 May 2011)To help manage the generous outpouring of support for Joplin, Mo., tornado survivors, disaster recovery experts have established some simple ways to help, whether volunteering or making donations. Along with our partners at the Missouri Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster, here are some specific ways to help those impacted by the recent storms and tornadoes.

Donate or Volunteer

• The Missouri State Emergency Management Agency has established a web portal to coordinate donations and volunteers.  Keep in mind that cash is the preferred method because it offers voluntary agencies the most flexibility in obtaining the most-needed resources and pumps money into the local economy to help businesses recover as well.
• Those in Missouri can also call 2-1-1 in most areas for information on volunteering their time or making a donation.  This 2-1-1 service, operated by the United Way, is available through much of Missouri.  For those who are out of state or unable to get through on 2-1-1, call 1-800-427-4626. Those with medical skills interested in volunteering can go online at www.showmeresponse.org.
• Remember,  unsolicited donated goods such as used clothing, miscellaneous household items, and mixed or perishable foodstuffs require helping agencies to redirect valuable resources away from providing services to sort, package, transport, warehouse, and distribute items that may not meet the needs of disaster survivors.

Sheltering

Missourians who need disaster information, shelter information or referrals are urged to call 2-1-1, or 800-427-4626, or go to www.redcross.org for a list of open shelters. For individuals with a hearing loss, call 7-1-1 or use Video Relay Service to reach 2-1-1 or 800-427-4626. 

Helping Survivors in Other States

For those who have been affected in Minnesota or other states outside Missouri, or those who want to help, visit www.fema.gov/howtohelp.

Other Resources
If you or someone you know is looking for a friend or relative who may have been affected the storms, visit www.Redcross.org/safeandwell.

FEMA-Recommended Websites on Response and Support Efforts for Southern U.S. Tornadoes and Severe Storms (05 May 2011)

• To find loved ones or let loved ones know you are OK: https://safeandwell.communityos.org/cms/index.php
• 3 Ways to Apply for Federal Assistance
• Donating or Volunteering To Help Disaster Survivors
• How To Avoid and Report Scam Artists After a Disaster
• Recap 6: Response and Support Efforts for Southern U.S. Tornadoes and Severe Storms

FEMA Information on Recent U.S. Tornadoes (02 May 2011)

• Oklahoma Severe Storms, Tornadoes, And Straight-Line Winds http://www.fema.gov/news/event.fema?id=14132
• North Carolina Severe Storms, Tornadoes, And Flooding
  http://www.fema.gov/news/event.fema?id=14092
• Tennessee Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
  http://www.fema.gov/news/event.fema?id=13872

American Red Cross Releases Alabama Tornado Disaster Summary Report (28 Apr 2011) download report

FEMA and Federal Partners Support Southern States in Response to Tornadoes and Severe Storms (28 Apr 2011) download news release

Tornado Preparedness & Disaster Response Resources

American Red Cross

• Tornado Safety Checklist

Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC)

• Tornado Clean-up and Response

DHS/FEMA

• DisasterAssistance.gov
• FEMA Donations Page (help others impacted by disasters)
• Ready Tornado Preparedness
• Ready Evacuation Plan
• What to Do Before, During and After a Tornado