In the wake of the tornado disasters that have devastated Tennessee, and as the numbers of dead and missing are rising, authorities are warning of scams going around soliciting donations in the name of helping tornado victims; plus, more on the Tennessee tornadoes and today’s weather news.
Tennessee isn’t called the Volunteer State without reason. People are literally lining up to help in the wake of the devastating tornadoes that ravaged the state on March 2-3, 2020.
Tennessee embraces a “love your neighbor” philosophy and it has been on display in countless acts of selflessness in the aftermath of the disaster.
Another way in which Tennesseans and others around the country are helping is through donations.
However, the dark side of human nature is rearing its ugly head, as always tends to happen when money is involved. Scammers have wasted no time in trying to take advantage of people whose only aim is to help. It’s angering enough to make you want to go out and get an online criminal justice degree MBA to help fight crime!
But for now, the most important thing is to be wary and make sure you are donating to a legitimate charity, such as the Red Cross or others.
Also, be wary of people selling things online who claim they will donate the proceeds to help tornado victims.
Authorities are now issuing warnings to the public to be extra alert about donation scams that are now circulating. In the Nashville area, some people are actually going door-to-door.
Investigators say that anyone soliciting donations without a county-issued permit is violating an ordinance. The public is urged to report soliciting to (615) 374-3994.
After the deadliest tornado day in 7 years the state of Tennessee is under a state of emergency.
Currently, at least 25 people are known dead, with 38 still missing in Putnam County. The number had been as high as 90, then 77, but has now decreased.
Local news websites in middle Tennessee have posted lists of the missing persons.
Tennessee has also deployed the National Guard to assist the community with tornado recovery. In Mount Juliet, a curfew was put in place starting at 6 PM around some of the hardest-hit storm-impacted areas in order to protect homes and property from potential thieves.
President Donald Trump will visit Tennessee on Friday and has pledged the full support of his administration.
The first week of March is Severe Weather Preparedness Week in many states. And while strong tornadoes typically strike most years in late March or early April, tornadoes devastated Tennessee on the second and third days of March this year.
There are simple things everyone must do to be prepared:
Have a plan to get to the safest area of your house, typically the lowest level and away from windows, or a windowless interior room.
If you don’t already have one, purchase a battery-powered weather radio and make sure you have fresh batteries available.
Have a communication plan, texting usually works best.
Avoid driving when the risk of severe weather is at its greatest.
Designate a meetup spot to gather with your loved ones after a storm has passed.
Yesterday, the entire states of Kansas and Missouri held a statewide tornado drill. Today (Wednesday), the state of Kentucky will also hold a statewide tornado drill.
