Relief efforts to support those affected by the tornadoes that swept through parts of Shelby County on March 25 are already well underway.
This morning, the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office released a statement asking that the public refrain from congregating in affected areas in order to allow emergency crews, search and rescue and all other first responders the ability to properly assess the damage.
In addition, the public is asked to leave roads open for safety vehicles and residents of those affected areas.
Here are some ways that the public can help those in need:
Oak Mountain High School will serve as a collection and distribution center on March 26 and March 27. Items can be dropped off from 8 a.m. until noon on both days at the OMHS cafeteria, located on the backside of the school.
Those in need can pick up items at the high school from 1-5 p.m.
For a list of needed items and more information, visit the Oak Mountain High School Facebook Page.
Briarwood Christian School will be collected needed items from noon – 6 p.m. today, March 26. Donations can be dropped off in the High School gym lobby at the school’s 119 Campus. For a list of needed items, visit the Briarwood Christian School Facebook page.
In addition, Church of the Highlands Greystone Campus has created a Tornado Response Form in order to assess and administer aid to victims. A link to the form and more information can be found on the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page.
Those displaced by the storms can contact the American Red Cross at 1-800-733-2767 for assistance.
For more information and ways to help, follow the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page.