With six states impacted, dozens of fatalities, roughly 200,000 individuals losing power, and communities of all sizes being damaged, the recent tornadoes that ripped through the central United States this past weekend were devastating, particularly the hard-hit communities in the state of Kentucky. This could be the costliest outbreak on record, according to Insurance Journal.
“Our thoughts go out to the thousands of individuals and their families who have been displaced, injured, or tragically killed during those storms,” said Marc Ott, ICMA CEO/Executive Director. “ICMA is working with our state associations in the southern and midwestern U.S. to determine how we can most effectively help these communities recover.”
Support for our communities
In just the past few hours, ICMA has spoken with KCCMA President Bryan Dehner to discuss how we can support communities in Kentucky. “We are asking the membership to visit the Team Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund and make a donation in the Fund-Raising Event section, you can enter “Ky City/County Management Association,” Dehner stated.
The Team Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund is fiscally monitored by the state for accountability and money donated remains in the state for communities’ recovery efforts. Follow this link to donate.
Other organizations accepting donations
American Red Cross
To donate to those recovering from the quad-state tornado through the Red Cross online, visit redcross.org. To donate by phone or request assistance with donating, call 1-800-HELP NOW (1-800-435-7669).
Salvation Army
The Salvation Army uses donations to provide food, drinks, shelter, emotional and spiritual support, and other emergency services to those affected by the tornado, as well as first responders. To donate through the Salvation Army, follow this link. To donate via phone, call 1-800-SAL-ARMY (1-800-725-2769).
United Way of Kentucky
The agency has set up a donation site specifically for tornado victims. Visit uwky.org/tornado.
Team Rubicon
Team Rubicon is responding in Benton and Mayfield, Kentucky, while working with local officials to assess additional needs. Visit teamrubiconusa.org/tornadoresponse to donate.
Resources for local government employees
ICMA’s disaster recovery resources contain information for communities that are dealing with tornado relief.
Focusing on Resilience: Recommendations for Disaster Recovery
Leading Edge Research: Disaster Recovery Essentials
Disaster Recovery: 10 Things to Do Now
New, Reduced Membership Dues
A new, reduced dues rate is available for CAOs/ACAOs, along with additional discounts for those in smaller communities, has been implemented. Learn more and be sure to join or renew today!
