Spring Tornadoes: Resources & Support

Millions of people across the South, Mid-Atlantic, and Midwest are reeling from the series of tornados that tore through more than a dozen states this past weekend, killing at least 32 people, destroying neighborhoods, and leaving thousands without homes.

The following resources can provide practical assistance and emotional support in the weeks and months ahead:

FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency)

• Phone assistance: 1-800-621-FEMA (1-800-621-3362)
• DRC Locator (Disaster Recovery Center Locator)
• FEMA Mobile Products (Download the FEMA App to find open shelters or text SHELTER and your zip code. For example, “SHELTER 01234”. For Spanish text REFUGIO and your zip code. Standard text message rates apply.)

American Red Cross

• Phone assistance: 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767)
• Red Cross Mobile Apps and Voice-Enabled Skills/Actions
• Find Open Shelters
• Contact Loved Ones

Government and Other Resources

• Home | DisasterAssistance.gov
• Emergency Shelter | DisasterAssistance.gov
• 2-1-1 (Phone assistance 2-1-1 for help locating clothing, food, or resources for your family, 24/7.)
• Salvation Army Location Search
• Disaster Loan Assistance | U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)

Tornadoes: Preparedness and Recovery

• Tornadoes | Ready.gov
• Tornado Safety | American Red Cross
• Emergency Preparedness: Tornadoes | National Weather Service
• Tornado Cleanup and Response | The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

Mental Health Resources

• Coping with Traumatic Events
• Managing Stress in Times of Crisis
• Helping Children Cope with Disaster
• Helping Children Cope with Traumatic Events and Emergencies
• Media Coverage of Traumatic Events

Resources by State

Alabama

• Alabama | FEMA.gov
• American Red Cross of Alabama and Mississippi
• Alabama Emergency Management Agency

Arkansas

• Arkansas | FEMA.gov
• American Red Cross of Arkansas
• Arkansas Division of Emergency Management

Delaware

• Delaware | FEMA.gov
• American Red Cross of the National Capital & Greater Chesapeake Region
• Delaware Emergency Management Agency

Illinois

• Illinois | FEMA.gov
• American Red Cross in Illinois
• Illinois Emergency Management Agency

Indiana

• Indiana | FEMA.gov
• American Red Cross in Indiana
• Indiana Emergency Management and Preparedness

Mississippi

• Mississippi | FEMA.gov
• American Red Cross of Alabama and Mississippi
• Mississippi Emergency Management Agency

Tennessee

• Tennessee | FEMA.gov
• American Red Cross in Tennessee
• Tennessee Emergency Management Agency

For any members who are struggling with the emotional impact of the tornadoes, please do not hesitate to reach out to your Assistance Program for confidential counseling and support services. The program is free to use and available 24/7.