Quad State Tornado

The “Quad State Tornado” hit hard yesterday. A rare December tornado ripped through multiple states yesterday leaving utter devastation in six states. My heart goes out to those impacted 🙁

While there were several tornados in the cluster, the National Weather Service is investigating whether a single twister—which is being called the “quad-state tornado”—traveled more than 230 miles as part of the storm, through Arkansas, Missouri, Tennessee, and Kentucky. If confirmed, it would set a record for the longest continuous tornado in US history.

Situation on the Ground

While the National Weather Service provides the official intensities of the tornadoes after conducting storm surveys, there are several indications that the tornadoes, including the Mayfield one, were in the strong to violent categories, which meteorologists consider EF3, EF4 or EF5 on the Enhanced Fujita Scale.

One such indicator was debris lofted high into the air. Radar suggested that the Mayfield tornado threw debris over 30,000 feet into the air. That’s the altitude commercial airplanes fly.

Growing up on the Iowa border of Illinois, tornadoes were common. Knowing what to do after any natural disaster is as important as being prepared in advance. For those seeking information, many aid organizations are mobilizing. Check locally for the local “boots on the ground” in need of help.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear announced the creation of a tornado relief fund for the western part of the state and also called on people to donate blood, which has been running in short supply during the pandemic. The Team Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund went live Saturday to help those affected by the devastation.

The American Red Cross is making it easy to send a quick $10 donation simply by texting “REDCROSS” addressed to the number, 90999. Other donations can be made by calling 800-733-2767 or visiting redcross.org online. Other information, including suggestions on how to find someone affected by the storm, can be found here.

The Salvation Army has set up a disaster relief fund for the tornado victims. Donations can made here or by calling 800-725-2769. It is also preparing to dispatch mobile kitchens that can serve 500 to 1,500 meals per day to the survivors and first responders in the affected areas.

World Vision, a Christian humanitarian group, plans to begin shipping relief supplies to churches in Kentucky beginning Sunday. Besides food and emergency kits, the supplies will include heaters, blankets, solar lights and mini-refrigerators. Donations to help support those efforts can be made here.

Samaritan’s Purse, another humanitarian group, said it sent disaster response teams on Saturday to Mayfield, Kentucky, and Monette, Arkansas, while other teams started to head to the devastation in Tennessee and Illinois. A tractor-trailer stocked with tools and equipment departed from Texas, according to the group, with more help on the way from North Carolina when weather allows. Donations can be made here.

If you are unsure about a group, check it out at the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance, the Charity Navigator, Charity Watch, or GuideStar.

Gearing Up for a New Year

As we saw this week, things come fast. It can happen to any of us at any time. Storms, illness, accidents, death. Having a plan ready to go is invaluable – it helps you and your loved ones.

December, it is a great time to highlight preparation planning to start the New Year off! Making time, crafting a plan and executing the plan for another year is a gift you give yourself and your loved ones.

Starting now applies to your day to day life inclusive of your family, pets and work. Before life’s twists and turns impact you, your loved ones and your business, get started! It’s easy to put off until later, when you think something is in the future. But, what if the future is now?

Helping others get ready is what I love to do. Check out my website to learn about me: https://thelivingplanner.com My book The Living Planner (What to Prepare Now While You are Living) is available here https://www.e-junkie.com/i/u8ac.

And, I’ve developed online courses geared to jump start planning for you, your families, young adults, businesses and your pets 🙂 To check them out, the Home Page is: https://courses.thelivingplanner.com Have questions, email me: Lynn@thelivingplanner.com

Appreciate you –Lynn

PS here is my Evacuation Checklist to help you start! https://documentcloud.adobe.com/link/track?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:5f5df6c9-fda4-4f3c-8d2e-fb910a8e8981

#CareForPeople #CareForBusiness #LifeHacks