At least 18 people are dead in overnight KY storms. How you can help survivors

Yahoo

18-05-2025

Officials in Laurel County said they are taking donations for storm victims and need volunteers to help coordinate relief efforts.
At least 18 people are confirmed dead across Kentucky as of Saturday afternoon following a wave of overnight storms and with at least one unconfirmed tornado destroying homes in Somerset and London.
Laurel County Sheriff officials said they are currently taking donations to help survivors, including personal hygiene products and food. Those supplies can be dropped off at London First Baptist Church at 804 W. Fifth St.
'We need volunteers to work at the give away point at 201 South Laurel Road at South Laurel High School,' Laurel County Sheriff Deputy Gilbert Acciardo said around 1 p.m. Saturday.
Other places are also opening their doors in hard hit Laurel and Pulaski counties.
The Palace Family Entertainment Center in London said in a Facebook post it is accepting water, nonperishable food and cleaning supplies. It was also open if people who have lost their homes needed respite or a place for their kids to play.
Somerset police are asking people to stay away from areas affected by the storms as debris clean up and search and rescue efforts continue, according to a Facebook post.
The state has not yet announced an official fundraiser for victims, but Gov. Andy Beshear is set to make an address at 5 p.m. State-sponsored relief funds have been established for previous storms, including the 2021 tornadoes that hit Western Kentucky.
If you are considering making a donation, particularly an online monetary donation, be wary of disaster scams. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau recommends you:
Identify who you are donating to
Don't feel pressured to give immediately
Be wary of price gouging
Don't give out personal information
Stay up to date on scams in your area or related to the disaster
Be on the lookout for fake charities
This is a developing story.