Tennessee Emergency Management Agency
James Bassham, Director

TEMA Headlines - Back

May 4, 2010

Donation Hotline for Tennessee Flood Disaster Opens Wednesday

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) has activated the Tennessee Emergency Donations Hotline to accept contributions to support state flood victims. Volunteers will begin answering calls at 8 a.m. on Wed., May 5. The toll free number is (866) 586-4483, and the hotline will be staffed from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. CDT daily.

Volunteers from local charitable and volunteer organizations, including AmeriCorps programs and Hands On Nashville, will staff the hotline and assist callers with donations through the Tennessee Aidmatrix Network, a Web site that hosts 48 organizations active in responding to disaster relief efforts.

“The call center will allow the citizens of Tennessee and beyond to assist those who were affected by the severe weather and historic floods that struck the state last weekend,” said TEMA Director James Bassham. “We are appreciative to donors for their generosity and thankful for all of the volunteers devoting their time and dedication to the relief effort.”

At this time, the primary need is for cash donations; however, goods or services will also be accepted. Water and used clothing are not needed at this time. All donations will go to assist flood victims in Tennessee.

The Tennessee Emergency Volunteer and Donations Hotline was established in 2006 following deadly tornadoes that hit 15 counties and killed 35 people. The call center’s goal is to help manage the volume of calls received by the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) in Nashville during natural disasters and other emergencies. While assisting in the call center operation, the state will not administer the funds.

The SEOC is currently operating on a 24-hour basis to support local emergency agencies and organizations in meeting the needs of flood victims. Visit www.tnema.org and click the Donations to Disaster Victims link to donate online.

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