OT: Pic of HUGE Tornado Heading for U. of Alabama in Tuscaloosa

[djblu883]

My thoughts and prayers are with everyone down there!!!! I lived in Birmingham for 20 years and I don't remember it ever being this bad so soon in the season!!! I am trying to get together supply's and ship them down there they are in need of many thing la such as clothing all sizes, baby supplies.... If you could help please send supplies!!! There is a Facebook page set up called toomer's for Tuscaloosa and they have many adresses to send things to!!

Thank you for that info! Please everyone do what you are able to help!!! Thanks in advance. I have to work a half day then I'm headed over to open my home and prepare for The Walker family and for those out of town who came to help I'm offering food and a hot bath...not much but its a start!!

 

[cjlvsccm]

My thoughts and prayers are with everyone down there!!!! I lived in Birmingham for 20 years and I don't remember it ever being this bad so soon in the season!!! I am trying to get together supply's and ship them down there they are in need of many thing la such as clothing all sizes, baby supplies.... If you could help please send supplies!!! There is a Facebook page set up called toomer's for Tuscaloosa and they have many adresses to send things to!!

Thanks to everyone for the outpouring of support and prayers for AL. There are now 41 counties here declared eligible for FEMA aid... that is almost two-thirds of this state!

I know the same line of storms hit other states as well, but did such widespread, MASSIVE devastation here that our local channels aren't showing much news from other places. And many people don't yet have the heart to search the internet for it... if they even have their power restored (and there are many places still without it).

Wow, even the UK Daily Mail was covering this? Like in their article linked by a PP, the pictures from Tuscaloosa are getting broad airplay and news coverage, but it really is THAT bad in LOTS of towns and cities in central and north Alabama. They're not finished rating them all, but there were several EF4s and EF5s, and those are rare according to the NWS.

In addition to several grassroots efforts on Facebook and other places, those so inclined could also send donations to the good-old-faithfuls, American Red Cross/ United Way/ Salvation Army/ etc. All these agencies have been helping so many people. Just contact them to designate the funds to this disaster relief, unless you prefer a general donation. Also, most houses of worship have funds for emergencies as well (like UMCOR, the United Methodist Committee On Relief, which gives 100% of funds donated, holding back nothing for overhead).

Thanks again!

 

[djblu883]

I work out of state so most of my help and info has been through others. Yesterday at 5:30 AM I drove through part of the devastated area when traffic was almost non existant on my way out of state again. There are still too many lurky loos getting in the way of progress and the powers that be are asking people not to drive through and take pictures. If you are going to be in the area stop and HELP! Sadly the work to get things cleaned up and ready to rebuild happen slowly. My son , a police officer, saw a large number of trucks and staff just sitting in a area lot. He asked what they were doing and was told they were waiting for clearance to do their jobs. It took 3 days for them to be put to work....lots of wasted dollars and man hours there!!! I saw the same after Katrina when I worked down there! There is still a great need for everything, but the centers taking in donations are swamped and the needs will be there for a long time to come so please don't forget ALL the areas affected. Diapers, formula, wipes and personal hygeine products are still greatly needed and in shorter supply than clothing at this point. The stories continue to amaze and sadden me! Prayers can go a long way to help as well so please continue this as well. Families were torn apart, babies killed! Grandparents died covering their grandchildren with their own bodies,children torn from their Mama's loving arms too many stories to list and too many tears.Rain clouds terrify children now.

 

[Joshua_me]

There is still a great need for everything, but the centers taking in donations are swamped and the needs will be there for a long time to come so please don't forget ALL the areas affected. Diapers, formula, wipes and personal hygeine products are still greatly needed and in shorter supply than clothing at this point. The stories continue to amaze and sadden me! Prayers can go a long way to help as well so please continue this as well. Families were torn apart, babies killed! Grandparents died covering their grandchildren with their own bodies,children torn from their Mama's loving arms too many stories to list and too many tears.Rain clouds terrify children now.

^

The media covers these events, then seems to all but forget them as they move on to the next big story.

There seems to be no shortage of bad news these days.