Following the 4/27/11 Tornado Outbreak... How You Can Help

Bill Messerschmidt

Manager

Messerschmidt Safety Consultants

The recent tornado outbreak spanning Alabama, Mississippi, and Georgia was the deadliest outbreak in the United States since 1932. Considering the huge advances in communication and forecasting technology since the days of the Great Depression, the death toll is staggering.

The photo above was taken by Birmingham, AL resident Greg McNair of Aerial South just before the FAA declared a “no-fly zone” over most of Birmingham. View a larger image. The path of the tornado is clearly visible, from Concord, AL, in the bottom left, moving toward Downtown Birmingham in the top right.

People from far and near have been stepping up to help the victims of the tornado, as well as helping the families and communities located in and around its path. If you know of other organizations or charities collecting donations or other ways to help those in need, please leave the information as a comment to this post.

The needs are great. Here are some ways you can help.

Text REDCROSS to 909999 to donate $10 to the American Red Cross, or visit the Red Cross online.

Text GIVE to 80888 to donate $10 to the Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Teams, or visit The Salvation Army online.

Help Mission Birmingham: fill out Mission Birmingham's form online.

Give to Samaritan’s Purse.

Check out Toomers for Tuscaloosa on Facebook (even if you’re not an Auburn fan or alum). At the time of this posting, there are 73,682 people "liking" this page and helping out!