The American Red Cross Alabama Region is assisting residents affected by the severe weather that moved through Alabama Thursday night.

Preliminary damage reports indicate that several homes in the state either sustained major damage or were destroyed.

By Friday, Red Cross volunteers were on the ground assessing the damage in DeKalb and Jefferson Counties.

A Red Cross mobile feeding unit was dispatched to affected neighborhoods in Fort Payne, Alabama to provide breakfast and water.

Volunteers in the area were also handing out clean up items including tarps, rakes, and shovels.

The Red Cross is working with county emergency management agencies to determine where help may be needed.

Remember, your donations are what help the Red Cross stay prepared and make our relief efforts possible.

Financial contributions may be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013.

For more information about your local American Red Cross, go to www.redcross.org/alabama.