Here’s how to help Birmingham, Dallas and other tornado victims

The American Red Cross launched a massive relief response across multiple states in the wake of deadly storms which have been hammering communities across most of the country since before the Christmas holiday.

Those who would like to help people affected by disasters like the MS tornadoes can make a donation to American Red Cross Disaster Relief.

Heavy rain across parts of the MS and OH valleys has led to flooding in many areas along the rivers.

HOW TO HELP: Red Cross disaster assistance is free.

The American Red Cross said it responds to almost 70,000 disasters per year-once every eight minutes-and most are home fires.

“Since Storm Desmond struck near the start of the month, Irish Red Cross volunteers have been on the ground helping out people in their communities”.

“We are used to ice storms in southern Missouri or winter storms, but flooding is fairly unusual, as are the tornadoes”, Duane Hallock with the Red Cross said. The Red Cross opened a shelter for those affected.

Addition shelters are open in Joplin, Springfield and Branson.

Heat sources such as space heaters, fireplaces or wood and coal stoves can pose a fire hazard, and many fatal fires occur in the early morning hours when most people are sleeping, according to the Red Cross. Donations can be made here, by calling 1-800-REDCROSS or texting the word REDCROSS to 90999 to give $10.

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies almost half of the nation’s blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides worldwide humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families.

The relief agency says Sunday that three caseworkers from Craighead, Lawrence and Sharp Counties plan to meet individually with disaster victims in Holly Springs and other tornado damaged areas in MS to assess and care for the immediate disaster needs.