How to help after Easter Sunday tornadoes in Mississippi

On Sunday, storms swept through Mississippi, bringing tornadoes and destruction to various parts of the state. According to a tweet from Mississippi Emergency Management Agency, there are 11 confirmed deaths from the storms in Mississippi as of Monday morning.

MSEMA said that, as of Monday morning, 18 counties in Mississippi have reported damage from the storms.

Following the storms, Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves declared a state of emergency. The governors of Alabama and Louisiana have also declared states of emergency for their states as well.

UPDATE: 11 total fatalities are now being reported, more information regarding the severe weather will come out later this morning.

— msema (@MSEMA) April 13, 2020

With everything that’s going on, it might feel natural to just jump in and help your neighbors.

But between the destruction caused by the storm and the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s too risky for anyone to just jump in and help by themselves. You should NEVER self-deploy after any natural disaster, and that certainly includes this one.

Responding to April 12, 2020, severe weather across Mississippi. DO NOT SELF DEPLOY. Check with local representatives and agencies to see who needs help. If your deployment is necessary, make sure you are following COVID-19 safety protocols. https://t.co/Set8BiRNFr pic.twitter.com/CteOJVvFI2

— VolunteerMississippi (@VolunteerYall) April 13, 2020

So how can we help?

First, Volunteer Mississippi has some guidelines on how to volunteer safely during the coronavirus pandemic. The last thing a state that has been hammered by severe storms needs is for COVID-19 to continue to spread.

If you are unable to volunteer, there are other ways to help.

Hometown Strong fundraising posters– Laurel Mercantile Co. is selling limited edition posters in an effort to raise funds to support those in communities that have been affected by the tornadoes. According to Laurel Mercantile Co., 100% of the proceeds will be donated to local organizations that will help impacted communities. For more information, click here.

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A post shared by Laurel Mercantile Co. (@laurelmercantile)

The Glory House– The Glory House is a faith-based organization that provides many different services to its community. According to Laurel Mercantile Co., The Glory House is where the proceeds from those posters will be donated to. On its website, The Glory House says that it has a food pantry, meal delivery service, construction team, and various other outreach opportunities for its community.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates and other ways to help as more opportunities arise.

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