OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) – Acknowledging — and applauding — the public’s willingness to help, officials shared information during Saturday’s news conference about the best ways to assist those affected by Friday’s tornadoes.
The damage assessments are expected to be extensive, authorities said, meaning recovery efforts will be substantial once fully underway.
Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert said she has received calls from mayors all over the state, including Lincoln Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird, offering to send personnel or resources, the mayor of Lincoln has also reached out to offer assistance.
For the time being, the best thing to do is check on your neighbors, make a donation, or connect with an official organization already involved in the recovery process — or wait for the call for volunteers that will assuredly come later.
Douglas County Sheriff Aaron Hanson encouraged those who want to help to do so in an organized way: Call 211 and offer to help, or to reach out to organizations like Omaha Rapid Response.
“Don’t just go out on your own and try to help in your own way,” he said.
Douglas County Emergency Management was also funneling people to 211, saying in a news release Saturday night that they were at capacity and no longer able to accept donations for the time being.
GIVE WHAT YOU CAN
If you would prefer to make a monetary donation, United Way of the Midlands is taking contributions to assist those in need in the aftermath of Friday’s storms, noting several large business have already made donations.
The Nebraska & Iowa Tornado Relief Fund was set up to provide funds directly to nonprofits helping with emergency shelter, clothing, and other essentials in the aftermath of Friday’s storms.
Those looking to give to the fund can do so online via the link below; or text TORNADO24 to 41-444.
IF YOU NEED HELP
Shelters are still available for displaced residents.
Mayor Stothert said Saturday that about 100 people stayed at Common Ground Community Center in Elkhorn following the storms Friday night. Normally, the facility functions as a fitness center; but it will remain open to those in need of shelter.
Currently, there are cots available for sleeping in the gym, though no one need them Friday night. So far, the Red Cross says the facility has mostly been used by people needing to stop by, eat, and rest. That means friends, family, even strangers opened their homes to those left homeless.
People in need of assistance can also seek shelter with American Red Cross, where no documentation is required.
If you’re looking for help navigating damage recovery, you can call 1-800-RED-CROSS to start that process. The Red Cross also suggested downloading their emergency assistance app for more information.
United Way is also assisting with the 211 help line, which serves Nebraska and Iowa. They are also assisting with damage reports in Douglas County, and will help coordinate volunteers to help with clean up when it’s determined to be safe to do so.
Anyone who needs help can reach out at ne211.org, or text their ZIP Code to 898-211.
The city has debris centers open, and encourage residents to call 211 to report damage or submit reports online. City officials have also sent up drones to survey the damaged areas.
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Reporter Brian Mastre contributed to this report.
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