Red Cross in need in effort to help NC tornado victims

By Leah Friedman – Special to OutreachNC

Lots of folks want to help their community after tornadoes destroyed parts of Raleigh.

So here’s where to donate:

The American Red Cross is only accepting monetary donations at www.Redcross.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS. You can also text 90999 to make a $10 donation.

Salvation Army, which is partnering with the Red Cross, is accepting monetary and food donations. They also need baby formula, diapers, and hygiene products brought to its facilities at 215 S. Person Street in downtown Raleigh.

Furniture and clothing donations are also a need. Those items can be taken to the Salvation Army Family Store at 205 Tryon Road in Raleigh.

Volunteers are needed at both locations to help accept and distribute donations. For assistance and volunteer information, call 919-834-6733 or visit www.keepthebellringing.org.

The Jewish Community Relations Council of the Raleigh-Cary Jewish Federation has set up a disaster relief fund, where 100 percent of the tax deductable donations are going to Saturday’s storm victims.

Make checks to the Jewish Federation of Raleigh-Cary, marked “Tornado Disaster Relief,” and send to the Jewish Federation of Raleigh-Cary; 8210 Creedmoor Rd., Suite 104, Raleigh, 27613; or visit https://secure.ujcfederations.org/ft2/form.html?__id=22315.

N.C. Baptist Men has a relief fund, where 100 percent of donations are going to Saturday’s storm victims. Make checks to N.C. Baptist Men, marked “N.C. Tornado Relief,” and send to N.C. Baptist Men, P.O. Box 1107, Cary, 27512. Or call (919) 459-5613.

Mechanics and Farmers Bank has a relief fund for Shaw University. Tax deductible contributions may be sent to: Shaw University, Disaster Relief Fund, Mechanics and Farmers Bank; 13 E. Hargett Street; Raleigh, 27601.

The Oakwood Cemetery’s eastern boundary has been destroyed by fallen trees — some 200 years old. While Joe Free, cemetery executive director, appreciates the offers of help, they are going to hire a professional tree service to clean up.

But they will accept donations for such an endeavor. Donate at www.historicoakwoodcemetery.com.

The city of Raleigh has set up www.RaleighNC.gov/stormhelp to provide information on how to donate food, supplies and clothing. Residents can also call 996-6100 to learn about volunteer opportunities.

Wake County is still assessing the damage and does not volunteers right now, but people interested in volunteering can register at 919-856-7044. If you are needed, officials will contact you.

To volunteer in Johnston County, call the Emergency Operations Center at 919-989-5400.

The Durham Bulls are asking Facebook fans to help the storm victims. For every new Facebook fan the team gets between now and Friday, the Bulls will donate $1 to the Red Cross. The team is prepared to donate up to $2,000, according to a news release

Insurance Claims

The N.C. Department of Insurance has issued insurance tips for those dealing with property damage.

They include contacting your insurance agency immediately; document the damage; and check your policy before hiring tree removal services.

Questions? Call 800-546-5664 or 919-807-6750. Visit www.ncdoi.com.

Avoid Scams

After a disaster is when scammers can take advantage of people in need, particularly with so much tree work needing to be done.

“Scammers use natural disasters and other tragedies to prey on desperate, unsuspecting victims,” said Attorney General Roy Cooper, who issues a release offering consumer tips, such as:

Beware of face disaster officials. Do not pay for work up front and inspect the work before you pay. Watch out for brokers who promise loans from FEMA. And get three estimates before selecting a contractor.

To read the entire news release, visit www.ncdoj.gov and click on “news and alerts.”

Cooper also enacted the price gouging law in areas affected by the storm. Price gouging—or charging an unreasonably excessive amount in times of crisis—is against North Carolina law when a disaster, an emergency or an abnormal market disruption for critical goods and services is declared by the Governor or local governments. The law also applies to all levels of the supply chain from the manufacturer to the distributor to the retailer.

Staying Safe

The Federal Emergency Management Agency offers tips for staying safe after a disaster at www.fema.gov.

Storm Debris

N.C. Department of Transportation will pick up storm-related debris that is placed at the curb and separated into two piles — vegetative and construction. Debris should be cut in 5- to 6-foot sections. Appliances, furniture and household hazardous materials will not be collected. Pickup schedules are still being determined and will be publicized when finalized.

In Need?

Red Cross has set up shelters for those affected by the storm:

Wake County: Garner United Methodist Church, 201 Methodist Dr., Garner, 27529; Heritage High School, 1150 Forestville Road, Wake Forest, 27587

Johnston County: Feeding Location only at Micro Middle School, 301 E. Main St, Micro, 27576

Cumberland County: Westover Recreational, 267 Bonanza, Fayetteville.

Harnett County: Triton HS, 215 Maynard Lake Rd, Erwin.

Lee County: SanLee Middle School, 2309 Tramway Rd. Sanford, 27330

Anyone evacuating to a Red Cross shelter should bring prescriptions, identification, clothing, pillows, blankets, hygiene supplies and children’s items. Pets are not permitted.

Johnston County residents who need bottled water may visit the following locations between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.:

Micro First Baptist Church, 106 West Wilson Street, Micro, or Cornerstone Baptist Church, 5058 US 701 Hwy South, Four Oaks.

N.C. Baptist Men are helping people cut up debris and make temporary roof repairs. To register your needs, go to Carolina Pines Baptist Church, S. Saunders Street, Raleigh, 27603.

Securcare Self Storagecorrect no “e” in secure is offering free units to anyone who lost their home and needs a place to store items that made it through the storm.

Visit www.securcare.com or call 919-859-1125 for more information.

Little Learners Child Care, 6199 Little Creek Church Road, Clayton, has turned itself into a shelter for women and children affected by the tornadoes. They are open 24 hours and are also accepting food donations. Call 919-553-1057 for more information.

The American Institute of CPA’s has a guide produced with the Red Cross to help people think through financial issues prompted by disasters at http://www.aicpa.org/INTERESTAREAS/PERSONALFINANCIALPLANNING/RESOURCES/CONSUMERCONTENT/DISASTERFINANCIALISSUES/Pages/default.aspx