How To Help The Tennessee Tornado Victims

Clarksville Fire-Rescue via WKRN News 2

Multiple Tornadoes Strike Middle Tennessee On Saturday, December 9 –  How You Can Help Those Affected By The Storms

On Saturday (December 9), a tornado-producing severe weather system passed through Middle Tennessee. The Tennessean cites The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency, which confirmed in “preliminary reporting” there were 13 tornadoes across the state.

The National Weather service estimates that nine counties were affected by the tornadoes. Counties affected by severe weather damage are estimated to be “likely double” that number, according to The Tennessean.

Six people were confirmed dead in in Clarksville and Madison. Referencing the National Weather Service, The Tennessean states this “may mark the deadliest December on record for Middle Tennessee’s tornado disasters.”

Officials in Clarksville reported that an additional 62 people were hospitalized following the tornadoes.

Governor Bill Lee Issues State Of Emergency

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee issued a state of emergency. He declared a Level 3 state of emergency, which is considered a “serious emergency or minor disaster,” according to The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency.

This designation gives Gov. Lee the ability to directly control and coordinate disaster response following the tornadoes. It also activates Tennessee’s Emergency Operations Center.

Other elected officials, including Nashville mayor Freddie O’Connell, have spoken about the storms and the devastation they caused:

“Yesterday was unfortunately another heartbreaking day for Nashville and so many in our Middle Tennessee community,” O’Connell said.

According to O’Connell, 22 structures collapsed as a result of the storms. “Countless” other structures were damaged.

 

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Here’s How You Can Help The Tennessee Tornado Victims

There are multiple ways to help those affected by the Tennessee tornadoes. The Tennessean shared an additional article outlining some of those ways.

Those wanting to volunteer to help with recovery efforts, specifically in Clarksville, can call 931-245-2988.

Hands on Nashville is a volunteer organization that typically provides assistance during times of disaster. At the moment, the organization is encouraging volunteers not to “self-deploy” while they work on identifying the areas that need the most assistance. In the meantime, Hands on Nashville encourages those interested in volunteering to create a volunteer account. You can also donate to their disaster relief efforts. Get more details here.

Blood Assurance has opened a donation center in Clarksville. A blood drive was held on Sunday (December 10), and additional blood drives will take place “pending need.” All Blood Assurance donation centers will be open starting Monday (December 11). If you wish to donate blood, you can simply walk in, or schedule an appointment in advance.

Those who wish to donate monetarily to the relief efforts can look to the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee and the United Way. The organizations have established joint funds to help those affected by the tornadoes.

Click here to donate to relief efforts within Davidson County.

Click here to donate to relief efforts outside of Davidson County.

The Salvation Army is also responding to provide aide to Tennessee. You can donate to the Salvation Army’s tornado relief efforts here. You can also call 1-800-SAL-ARMY to make a donation.

Country music artists such as Ana Cristina Cash, Jesse Keith Whitley, the Oak Ridge Boys, and more have spoken out sharing their thoughts, prayers, and desires to help.

We join them in praying for everyone affected by these terrible storms…