Reviewed by: Liv George
Alabamians are mobilizing after Hurricane Helene—how you can help
Alabama communities and non-profits are mobilizing first responders and resources to support Hurricane Helene rescue and relief efforts.
The Category 4 hurricane with 140 mph winds made landfall in Florida on Thursday. The weakened storm system then moved through Georgia, the Carolinas and Tennessee soaking the communities with torrential rains and catastrophic flooding. Photos and videos of rushing flood waters carrying trucks and even homes appeared all over social media.
As of Monday morning two million southeastern residents are without electricity and scores of people have yet to connect with loved ones.
How you can help
This weekend the Alabama Emergency Management Agency posted the following information from FEMA about ways people can help: Here is an excerpt from the post:
- Get in Touch: Family and friends of people in disaster-affected areas are urged to check social network sites for information about your loved ones. Visit the American Red Cross Safe and Well or Contact Loved Ones | Disaster Aid | Red Cross.
- Text. Don’t Call: Texting leaves lines open for emergencies.
- How to Help: Cash donations are the most effective way to help after a disaster. Visit Volunteer and Donate | FEMA.gov.
Additionally, National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) members and partners are assisting communities in need. National VOAD members and partners will serve these communities as long as necessary. There is no request for donations outside of cash. do not send unsolicited donated goods, and please do not self-deploy.
- Alabama – Alabama VOAD (alvoad.org).
- Florida – FLVOAD (wpengine.com).
- Georgia – Georgia VOAD (gavoad.org).
- Kentucky – Kentucky Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (kentuckyvoad.org).
- North Carolina – North Carolina Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (ncvoad.org).
- South Carolina – SCemd.org/recover/volunteer-and-donate/.
- Tennessee – Tennessee VOAD (tnvoad.org)
Blood donations needed
According to Red Cross, they have handled over 1500 requests to help reconnect loved ones. Blood donations are also desperately needed since local blood drives have been canceled.
“Our hearts go out to everyone affected by Hurricane Helene’s devastation. The American Red Cross has launched a massive relief response to get help to where it is needed across hundreds of miles from Florida to Tennessee.
Right now, we are working with our partners to meet the urgent needs of those affected by providing safe shelter, food, emotional support and health services.”
Red Cross of Alabama
Alabama communities stepping up
In addition to relief agencies and nonprofits, Alabama communities are sending first responders and resources to impacted areas. Below are posts they have made:
Stay tuned
Recovery efforts are expected to continue for weeks if not months. Stay tuned to The Bama Buzz for additional details and ways you can help our neighboring states.
If you know a group that is supporting relief efforts let us know on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn.
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