How to Help After the Recent Central U.S. Tornado Outbreak

Severe weather and tornadoes swept across the central United States Dec. 10-11, causing extreme damage to communities. The worst recorded tornado, known as the “Quad-State Tornado,” left a trail of destruction nearly 250 miles long across Arkansas, Missouri, Tennessee and Kentucky. In response, NAHB is working closely with state and local home builders associations in the region to meet the needs of members who were affected by severe weather and provide resources to help them rebuild. For individuals interested in supporting relief efforts in the hard-hit state of Kentucky, the Home Builders Association of Kentucky recommends supporting the Team Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund. According to the fund's website, the fund:

• Was established by Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear to directly assist those impacted by the tornadoes and the severe weather system.
• Will send contributions directly to Kentucky tornado victims with no administrative fees taken out.

All donations to the Team Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund are tax-deductible and donors will receive a receipt for tax purposes after donating. Donations by credit card are being accepted through the Team Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund website. Directions for donations by mail are also available on the website. The HBA of Kentucky also has published the Western KY Tornado Disaster Relief/Resources page on its website that provides a full index of information, resources and organizations for those looking to make monetary or supply donations in support of the relief effort. NAHB also is advising its members of the following resources for more information on the recent tornado outbreak:

• Kentucky Emergency Management Agency: 800-255-2587
• Kentucky Attorney General, Tornado Fraud Hotline: 502-696-5485
• Arkansas Division of Emergency Management: 501-683-6700
• Federal Emergency Management Agency: 800-621-FEMA
• Small Business Administration: 800-659-2955

For more information or resources on disaster recovery please visit NAHB's Disaster Recovery Toolkit or contact Jonathan Falk, Field Specialist for Disaster Relief, at 800-386-5242 x8005.