How to Do Liquid Stacking

Liquid stacking is the process of pouring fluids with different densities on top of one another to create an array of separated ingredients in a bottle. Making a liquid stack is a simple process, but can produce some beautiful and awe-inspiring results. To stack liquids, you simply have to gather the proper ingredients, find the appropriate tools, and use a steady hand to carefully pour your ingredients.

EditSteps

EditMeasuring and Pouring Your Liquids

1. Find an empty 12 ounce (350 mL) bottle with a bottle cap. Find a clean, clear bottle that can hold 12 ounces (350 mL). As long as it has a resealable cap, you can use it. You can use a larger bottle if you want, but you’ll have to adjust the ingredients so that the ratio between the bottle and the liquids inside it remains the same.^[1]
   
2. Dye of water and of rubbing alcohol with food coloring. Use 2 separate mixing cups and pour your rubbing alcohol into 1 cup and your water into the other. Add 1 drop of food coloring to each cup and mix them with a teaspoon. You can use any colors you’d like, but avoid using the same color as your dish soap with your water, since the water will be next to it in the bottle.^[2]
   
   • You won’t be able to see the layer between the dish soap and the water if you dye your water to be the same color as the dish soap.
3. Pour of dark corn syrup into the bottom of your bottle. Measure out your dark corn syrup and use a funnel to pour it slowly into your bottle. Try to avoid letting the corn syrup touch the sides of your bottle, as the residue may make stacking the next set of ingredients more difficult. Wait 3-4 minutes to let the corn syrup settle.^[3]
   
   • You may have to wait longer for it to settle if you hit the sides of the bottle while you were pouring it.
4. Wash your funnel with warm water and dry it. You don’t want any dish soap mixing with the corn syrup, or you could risk mixing your bottom layers together. To prevent mixing, wash your funnel under warm water and scrub it with a clean sponge. Dry it with a paper towel or dish rag before using it again.
   
   • Wash and dry your funnel after each use.
5. Tilt your bottle and pour of dishwashing liquid into the container. Measure your dishwashing soap out. Place your funnel into the mouth of your bottle and tilt it towards you so that the funnel is aimed at the side of the container, just above the corn syrup. Pour your dish soap slowly and carefully. Avoid pouring it directly into your corn syrup. Wait 2-3 minutes to let the dish soap settle.^[4]
   
   • You need the dish soap to hit the side of the bottle first because you want to maintain the viscosity at the surface of the corn syrup. If you hit it directly, it may not stack.
   • You can tell the dish soap is settled when the bubbles stop moving.
6. Add of water carefully on top of the dish soap. Wash your funnel and dry it with paper towels again to remove the dish soap residue. After your dish soap has settled in the bottle, tilt it slowly towards you and use your funnel or the measuring cup to slowly pour your water down the side of the bottle. Wait 30-45 seconds to let the water settle.^[5]
   
   • Take your time when pouring the water. It’s a lot thinner than the dish soap so it will pour more quickly.
7. Drop of vegetable oil in with a baster. Use a baster to soak up your vegetable oil. Hold the point of the baster above the top of the water. Slowly squirt the vegetable oil on the side of the bottle and let it pool above the water. Continue to squirt the vegetable oil out until your baster is empty. Let it settle for 30-45 seconds.^[6]
   
   • Once your bottle gets filled more than halfway, it’s hard to tilt it without spilling your layers. If you have a bigger bottle, feel free to continue tilting it. Otherwise, use the baster.
8. Finish your liquid stack with a layer of rubbing alcohol. Wash your baster thoroughly with warm water and soap before filling it with your rubbing alcohol. Carefully place it on the side of the bottle, above your layer of vegetable oil. Slowly squirt it out and let it settle for 30-45 seconds.^[7]
   
   • Put the cap on your bottle and close it.
   • You will have 5 layers of liquid that are all different colors beautifully separated in your bottle!
9. Flip the bottle upside down to watch the liquids resort themselves. With the bottle cap tightly secured on top of your bottle, turn the bottle slowly in your hand to flip it upside down. You will be able to watch the different liquids resort themselves in the original order that you poured them. Flip the bottle as a cool trick to show your friends, or as a part of demonstration on density.^[8]
   
   • This will only work if you do it slowly, and you can only do it once or twice before the layers mix past the point where they’re separated.
   • Your liquid stack won’t stay together forever, so don’t do this with the intention of making a decorative item for your home.

EditTrying Variations on the Project

1. Do a simple version of the experiment with oil and water. You can perform a rudimentary version of this experiment by using only water and vegetable oil to demonstrate the fundamental principles of density and viscosity. To stack oil and water, fill a bottle or clear bucket halfway with water. Fill the rest with oil. The 2 liquids will separate on their own.^[9]
   
   • If you’re simply trying to demonstrate what density and viscosity are, you don’t need the full 5 layers. Use oil and water to simply get your point across.
2. Repeat the process using more layers of liquid to make a bigger stack. You can make a 7-layer version of a liquid stack by using of each ingredient and adding 2 additional layers. Start with honey instead of using corn syrup and end with lamp oil on top of your rubbing alcohol.^[10]
   
   • In the 5-layer version of the project, you can use honey as a replacement for corn syrup if you don’t have any laying around.
3. Skip the food coloring for a more subtle effect. Try doing the experiment without adding your food coloring to the water and rubbing alcohol. This will create 2 totally transparent layers, which will let light pass through and make your colorful sections stand out more dramatically.
   

EditTips

• The same principles at work here can be used with ingredients of different densities to make layered alcoholic drinks.
• If the liquids aren’t stacking after they settle, it may be due to the fact that your corn syrup isn’t thick enough. Try again, this time adding of sugar to your corn syrup.
• Use your liquid stack for a simple science project. Liquid stacking demonstrates a few important scientific concepts. Specifically, it illustrates how density allows different liquids of different masses to be sorted without using different containers. It also shows the importance of viscosity in keeping layers separated from one another.^[11]
• Liquid stacking makes for an interesting presentation as well. If you have to present an experiment at school, liquid stacking is a good idea since it requires few materials and little effort.

EditThings You’ll Need

• Measuring cup
• 2 Mixing cups
• Empty bottle
• Funnel (optional)
• Baster
• Corn syrup
• Dish washing soap
• Water
• Oil
• Rubbing alcohol
• Food coloring

EditRelated wikiHows

• Make a Lava Lamp with Household Ingredients
• Make Layered Shots
• Make Rainbow Cupcakes

EditReferences

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How to Play Bananagrams

Bananagrams is a fast-paced, competitive word game with similarities to both Scrabble and Boggle. Like Boggle, gameplay happens quickly and doesn’t involve turns. Like Scrabble, each player builds his or her own interlocking grid of words until they’ve used all their letters. Try an alternate version of the game if you’re playing by yourself, or if you want to speed things up a bit!

EditSteps

EditLearning the Traditional Rules

1. Place all the tiles facedown on a flat surface. Unzip the banana-shaped pouch and dump out all 144 letter tiles in a central spot that’s within arm’s reach of all players. It’s best to play on a hard, flat surface such as the floor or a table. No letters should be visible once you’ve flipped over all the tiles.^[1]
   
   • This group of facedown tiles is known as the “bunch.”
   • Mix the letters around a bit after flipping them over to ensure that they’re randomly distributed.
2. Each person takes a set amount of tiles, depending on the number of players. The number of starting tiles for each player is determined by the number of people playing the game. You can play Bananagrams with a minimum of 2 people and a maximum of 8.^[2]
   
   • For 2-4 players, draw 21 tiles each.
   • For 5-6 people, draw 15 tiles each.
   • For 7-8 people, draw 11 tiles each.
3. Start the game by saying "split" and flipping over your tiles. This is the signal for everyone to flip over his or her tiles so the letters are face-up. As you turn over your tiles, you should start thinking about words that could be formed using these letters.^[3]
   
4. Arrange your tiles into words that intersect like a crossword. Words can be arranged vertically or horizontally, but not diagonally. The goal is to be the first to use all of your starting letters in your word grid. You cannot use proper nouns or abbreviations.^[4]
   
   • Each player creates their own, personal word grid (unlike Scrabble, where all players add on to one group grid).
   • Everyone should be playing simultaneously—there are no “turns” in Bananagrams. You are racing the other players to be the first to use all your letters.
   • Consider starting off with a longer word, which gives you more opportunities to build new words.^[5]
5. Exchange 1 letter tile for 3 new ones if you’re having trouble using it. This is called “dumping.” Many people dump tiles if they have too many vowels, too many consonants, or even just a tricky letter like an X or Q. Place the tile you are dumping back in the bunch, say “dump!” then draw 3 new tiles.
   
   • Be sure to dump your letter far away in the pile so you don't pick it up immediately if you draw again.
6. Say “peel” once you have used all your tiles. Every player must draw 1 new tile from the bunch. Someone else may use all their letters first, in which case you still must draw a new tile when they say “peel.”^[6]
   
   • It's always a good idea to double-check all your words are valid and spelled correctly before peeling.
   • An effective strategy is to "peel" as fast as possible, several times in a row. An influx of new tiles may slow your opponents down!
7. Incorporate the new tile into your grid of words. Tiles can be rearranged in any way you want once you’ve drawn a new tile. Once you’ve used the tile, you can yell “peel” again.
   
   • In this example, the player has a newly drawn T. By replacing the D in FOOD with the T and creating FOOT, the player was able to place the D at the end of TIE to make TIED, effectively using all of his or her tiles.
   • Two letter words like QI, IT, and OE are useful placeholders for new letters until you can work them into a larger word.
8. Continue peeling until the bunch has fewer tiles than the number of players. For example: Player 1 peels, and after all 5 players have drawn a new tile, there are only 4 tiles left in the bunch. At this point, the first person to use up all their tiles in their word grid wins the game.^[7]
   
   • Sometimes, the number of tiles divides evenly among players. If this is the case, you’ll end up with no tiles left in the bunch after the final peel.
9. Yell “bananas” if you are the first player to use up all your tiles. Since there are no more tiles in the bunch to draw, the game is now over. The player who called “Bananas!” first is the winner.^[8]
   
   • If 2 players yell “Bananas!” at the same time, you have a tie. In this case, the player with the longest word in their grid can be declared the winner—but you can also come up with another house rule to determine the tie-breaker.
10. Inspect the winning grid for disqualifying words. If the player has used any illegal words, then someone says “Rotten banana!” and the player is disqualified. Their tiles are mixed up and added back to the bunch, and play resumes the same way.^[9]
    
    • When the number of tiles left in the bunch is fewer than the remaining players, the first person to use up all their tiles again exclaims “Bananas!” Their grid should be inspected for disqualifying words as well. If they are all correct, this player is the winner!

EditTrying Alternate Versions

1. Play with no peeling or dumping for a slower-paced version of the game. Start by dividing all the tiles equally among players. Each player flips over their tiles at the start of the game and tries to create a grid of interlocking words using all their tiles. When one player uses all their letters, they call “Bananas!” and the game is over—assuming that player doesn’t have any disqualifying words in their grid.^[10]
   
   • If the game ends in a tie or a stalemate, with no one able to use all their letters, the winner is the player with the longest word in their grid.
2. Do not allow peeling for a very quick version of the game. Have each player draw 21 tiles from the pouch and place them face down in front of them. Then, play Bananagrams the usual way—but without peeling. Players can still dump. The first player to incorporate all 21 letters into a word grid and yell “Bananas!” is the winner.^[11]
   
   • This alternative is great for waiting in restaurants or doctor’s offices.
3. Try a solitaire version of Bananagrams to hone your skills. Place all the tiles facedown, then flip over 21 tiles. Start a timer and play as usual, although there’s no need to call out “peel” or “dump” to alert other players. Once you’ve used all the tiles, stop the timer.^[12]
   
   • Then, repeat to see if you can beat your own best time.
   • Or, challenge yourself by trying to create a grid using the fewest words possible. Look for longer, more complex words that you can play.
4. Play cooperatively to develop concentration and reading ability. This version of Bananagrams is great for children and helps them practice their reading and spelling skills. Start by placing all the tiles face up. Then, all players help in creating one large interlocking word grid. You can take turns, or play freely and allow anyone who has an idea to play a word.^[13]
   
   • The game is over when all the tiles have been used to create one big grid. There are no winners in this version!

EditVideo

EditTips

• With group of people that’s larger than 8, use 2 sets of Bananagram tiles in order to avoid overly short games. Your tiles will get mixed up, so make sure to sort them back out at the end.

EditThings You'll Need

• Table or floor
• 2-8 players
• Bananagrams tiles

EditRelated wikiHows

• Play Scrabble
• Play Boggle
• Win at Boggle
• Play Hangman
• Improve Your Scrabble Score
• Expand Your Vocabulary
• Make and Play Chips a Bunch

EditReferences

EditQuick Summary

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How to Throw a Fourth of July Party

The Fourth of July is always a fun and festive time. Warm summer weather, cookouts with friends and family, and fireworks all make the day memorable. With a few simple decorations and picnic-friendly food, you can organize your own Fourth of July celebration to commemorate this patriotic holiday.

EditSteps

EditPlanning the Party

1. Send out invitations 3-4 weeks before the party. Avoid waiting until the last minute to invite friends and family. They might have made other plans for the day and won’t be able to make it.
   
   • If you are mailing your invites, send them at least 4 weeks in advance to allow for potential delivery delays.
   • Alternatively, you can send free electronic invitations through an online site like Evite.^[1] Electronic invites are great when time is running out because they’ll arrive almost immediately!
2. Tidy up your house and yard. Make sure your guests will be comfortable by cleaning your home and completing any necessary yard work a few days prior to the party.
   
3. Borrow additional seating if needed. Depending on how many people you’ve invited to your Fourth of July celebration, you might need more seating or tables. Save some money and borrow what you can from friends or neighbors.^[2]
   
   • Lawn chairs and folding tables work great both inside and outdoors.
   • You can also encourage your guests to bring picnic blankets to sit on outside.
4. Develop a contingency plan for inclement weather. Make plans ahead of time to move the party indoors in case the weather turns bad on the Fourth of July.
   
   • Push furniture against the walls, if needed, to create more space for guests to mingle inside.
   • Choose an alternate cooking method for any food that would have been grilled outside. Indoor griddles or grill pans are one option.
   • Plan to watch a televised fireworks display if rain or thunderstorms prevent you from doing your own fireworks or attending another live show.

EditChoosing the Food

1. Purchase affordable easy-to-grill foods. Hot dogs and burgers are great options for a Fourth of July cookout. In fact, the Fourth happens to be the most popular holiday for serving hot dogs!^[3] For the burgers, you can buy frozen hamburger patties in bulk to save money and time.^[4]
   
   • Consider including a vegetarian alternative, such as veggie burgers, for guests who don’t eat meat.
   • Steak and seafood are delicious options but cost a lot more. Keep your party economical and stick to burgers and hot dogs.
2. Ask guests to bring a snack or side dish to share. You can save money on food by having guests bring something to pass around. Ideas include chips, baked beans, salad, or dessert. Guests can even bring drinks or ice.
   
3. Organize a potluck. A fun way to get everyone involved in your Fourth of July party is to have a potluck in which everyone brings a dish to share. Your guests can bring something they like and everyone can enjoy the fun of discovering the different foods.
   
   • A potluck can save you a lot of time and money since everyone is contributing a dish. ^[5]
   • You can still grill hot dogs and hamburgers as your contribution to the potluck or you can do something else and skip the grilling.
4. Choose easy desserts in festive colors or shapes. You can add to the festive Fourth of July theme by creating desserts that are red, white, and blue.
   
   • Serve strawberries and blueberries with whipped cream for an easy red, white, and blue treat.
   • Use star-shaped cookie cutters to cut star shapes out of angel food cake, then top with whipped cream and red and blueberries.
   • Order or make your own American flag cookies or cake.
5. Buy all of the food you will be serving ahead of time. Avoid the stress of last-minute shopping and begin purchasing the food for your party within the week leading up to the Fourth of July.
   

EditSelecting the Decorations

1. Stick to simple decorations. Decorating your home and/or yard for the Fourth of July is fun and a great way to create a festive atmosphere. You don’t have to do anything elaborate, though. Visit a dollar store for affordable decorations, such as red, white, and blue pinwheels and streamers or mini American flags.^[6]
   
   • Cut star shapes out of red, white, and blue construction paper. Punch a hole at the top of each one, tie a string through the hole, and hang around the house or yard.
2. Purchase white supplies for eating. Red, white, and blue plates and napkins are certainly patriotic, but they tend to cost more than plain white supplies. Stick to white plastic cutlery, paper plates, and napkins to save money.^[7] Your decorations will be enough to create a festive atmosphere.
   
3. Let the kids do the decorating. Providing materials for the kids to decorate will keep them entertained during the day while awaiting the evening fireworks display.
   
   • Use white butcher paper as tablecloths and let the kids decorate it ^[8] with red, white, and blue crayons or markers.
   • Have the kids draw pictures of colorful fireworks and display them around the house or yard.

EditArranging the Entertainment

1. Set up an outdoor game area. You don’t have to wait until the evening fireworks to have fun on the Fourth of July. Have some outdoor activities available to entertain your guests during the day while you eat and socialize.
   
   • Set up a volleyball or badminton net.
   • Borrow, build, or buy a cornhole game^[9] (also known as a bean bag toss). This is great for adults and kids.
   • Borrow a croquet set if you don’t have one.^[10]
   • Provide a few frisbees for guests to toss around.
2. Purchase an inexpensive kiddie pool or slip and slide. A small plastic kiddie pool is an easy way to keep the kids entertained and refreshed during the day. Slip and slides can be fun for kids and adults alike!
   
3. Provide sparklers for everyone. Use sparklers once it starts getting dark. Kids and adults can both enjoy them while waiting for the fireworks display.
   
4. Make a fireworks plan. You can choose to light your own fireworks, attend your local fireworks show, or watch a televised fireworks display.^[11]
   
   • Only light off your own fireworks if it is legal where you live.
   • Practice safety when lighting your own fireworks and have buckets of water or a running hose close by in case of fire.

EditTips

• Encourage guests to contribute to the party by bringing a snack or side dish to share.
• Provide plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained during the day.
• Make sure it is legal to light fireworks in your area if you plan to do so.

EditWarnings

• Do not light off fireworks in your yard if it is not legal where you live.
• Fireworks can cause burns or start fires. Have water ready and a first aid kit nearby.

EditThings You'll Need

• Food and beverages
• Festive decorations
• Activities for children and adults
• Fireworks or other entertainment
• First aid kit

EditRelated wikiHows

• Carve a Watermelon to Celebrate an Event
• Set up a Fireworks Show
• Make a Panograph
• Make Watermelon Breakfast Lasagna
• Make a Watermelon Banana Split
• Carve a Watermelon Purse
• Throw a Cocktail Party

EditReferences

_PARTS_

EditQuick Summary

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How to Tie a Bandana Like a Headband

A bandana can make for a functional and stylish headband that can keep hair and moisture out of your face, and make you look good doing it. Tying a bandana into a headband can seem tricky, but with the right bandana, a proper folding, and a good knot, you’ll be rocking a bandana headband in no time.

EditSteps

EditFolding the Bandana

1. Use a square bandana to form an even headband. Bandanas can come in many shapes and sizes, but a square bandana works best to make a uniform fold to form your headband. The larger the bandana, the more fabric you’ll have to fold, which can mean a thicker or wider headband. So make sure you choose a bandana that is large enough to fold into a headband, but not so large that you have a bulky headband.^[1]
   
   • Choose material like cotton or other natural fibers that breathe because a headband can trap heat and make your head sweat.
   • There are also many different patterns and designs you can choose from for your bandana. by , so make sure yours is at least this size to fold into a headband.}}
2. Lay the bandana flat and smooth out any wrinkles. Before you fold your bandana, you need to prepare the fabric by laying it flat on a table or other surface and position it so that looks like a diamond. Use your hands to smooth out any folds or wrinkles that may be in the fabric so that you have a flat and even bandana to work with.^[2]
   
   
   
   • If your bandana has a lot of wrinkles, you can iron them out with a clothes iron.
3. Bring the bottom corner to meet the top corner to form a triangle. Make sure that all of the edges of the bandana line up when you fold it. Fold the bandana in half diagonally, bringing one corner to meet the other and form a large triangle. Smooth out the fabric with your hands to flatten it out.^[3]
   
   
   • Be sure the pattern is arranged so that it’s visible when you fold the bandana.
4. Fold the long end of the triangle to make a long strip. Take the bottom of the triangle and fold it to form a strip about wide. Then fold the strip over and over towards the point of the triangle until the fabric forms one strip. Smooth out the material after each fold to ensure a uniform size.^[4]
   
   
   • For a wider headband, make a wider strip.
   • Roll the bandana rather than fold it to form a rounded headband.
5. Spray the folded bandana with hairspray. Once you have the fabric folded to the width you want, you can make the headband adhere to your skin and hair better by spraying it with hairspray. This will prevent the headband from slipping around once it’s on your head. Spray an even layer of hairspray and wait 5 minutes to let it dry.^[5]
   
   
   • You can also use hair gel, but make sure the gel dries clear and only apply it to the side of the headband that will be against your hair and skin.

EditTying the Bandana

1. Place the center of the bandana against your forehead. Pick up the folded bandana strip by the ends and center your forehead against the middle of the strip. If you have long hair, place the bandana beneath your hair so it doesn’t get trapped between your forehead and your headband.^[6]
   
   • You can center the bandana on the crown of your head as well.
2. Wrap the two ends of the bandana around the back of your head. With your forehead pressed against the center of the bandana, bring the two ends behind your head, above your ears. Make sure the bandana doesn’t unfold when you wrap it. Keep the entire length of the strip of bandana flush against your head.^[7]
   
   
   • You can also center the bandana on the base of the back of your head and bring the two ends around to the front of your head, above your forehead.
3. Tie the ends of the bandana into a double knot to form a headband. With the bandana flush against your head, tie the two ends into a secure knot, making sure it’s tight enough to stay in place, but not so tight that it’s uncomfortable. Then form another knot to keep the first knot firmly in place.^[8]
   
   
   • If you centered the bandana on the base of the back of your head, tie your knot on the upper part of your forehead, making sure it’s secure before you tie it into a double-knot.
4. Make any adjustments and smooth out any wrinkles in your headband. The bandana headband should rest comfortably and securely on your head. Tuck in any loose fabric and smooth out and bunching of the material that may have occurred. Adjust your hair around your bandana to achieve your desired look.^[9]
   

EditRelated wikiHows

• Tie a Doo Rag
• Make a Hippie Headband
• Fold Bandanas
• Make a Headband
• Tie a Bandana

EditReferences

EditQuick Summary

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How to Help Tornado Victims

Tornadoes are devastating storms that can have long-lasting consequences for victims and their communities. While tornadoes can happen almost anywhere in the world, they are most common in the central U.S., where they tend to peak during the early summer months.^[1] Help tornado victims and their communities by donating to disaster relief organizations in their area, or look for ways to volunteer with the relief effort. You can also help individual friends or family members by offering financial, practical, and emotional support.

EditSteps

EditWorking with Disaster Relief Organizations

1. Focus on working with local organizations to help most directly. One of the most effective ways to help tornado victims is to donate to local disaster relief organizations. Local organizations are familiar with the community and what resources are already available locally. They are also motivated to help their local community by making sure that any resources donated to them are put to good use. Do a search online for relief organizations in the affected area.
   
   • For example, if you’re interested in helping victims of the recent tornado in Moore, Oklahoma, you might contact the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma or Oklahoma Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD).^[2]
2. Check with other types of organizations in the area that may be helping. In the wake of a disaster like a tornado, many different kinds of local organizations will often step up to help. Check with non-disaster-relief organizations in the area, such as schools, libraries, homeless shelters, animal shelters, food banks, churches, and social service organizations to find out what they are doing and how you can get involved.
   
   • For example, in the wake of the recent Lee County tornado in Alabama, churches, grocery stores, schools, and animal shelters in the area gathered donations of supplies and money for the community.^[3]
   • Check the websites of local news outlets to find out where you can donate.
3. Look for national disaster relief networks that offer local aid. Many national disaster relief organizations have local branches that can provide direct help on the community level. Research reputable national disaster relief networks and see if there are any local branches in the affected area.
   
   • For example, Direct Relief, an organization that focuses on providing medical assistance to communities in need, works with local groups to provide critical supplies after tornadoes and other disasters.^[4]
   • Feeding America works with community food banks across the U.S.
   • The Red Cross also has local branches in communities all over the world.
4. Research charities before you work with them. Before you donate to any charitable or relief organization, look them up through a watchdog organization to find out if they are reputable. Do a search for the organization you’re interested in online and look for reviews and ratings from groups such as:^[5]
   
   • CharityNavigator
   • CharityWatch
   • GuideStar
   • The Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance
5. Give money if you can. In the wake of a disaster, people need a wide variety of different types of assistance. They may need goods, shelter, medical care, or food. When you donate money to disaster relief organizations or charities, they can figure out how to use your contribution in the most effective and efficient way possible. If possible, donate money rather than goods unless an organization is specifically asking for material donations.^[6]
   
   • Monetary donations allow rescue organizations to purchase goods locally without having to worry about shipping costs and quality control checks. They can also tailor their purchases to the exact needs of members of the community.
   • For example, after the tornado that recently hit El Reno, Oklahoma, the local Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) branch is looking for donations of cash and gift cards to help residents purchase food, gas, and other necessities.^[7]
   • The Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma also reached out for cash donations (as opposed to donations of food or supplies) after the Moore tornado.^[8]
6. Donate items only if they are needed. Donating goods, such as clothing and canned foods, can also be helpful in the wake of a tornado. However, first check with the organization(s) you’re working with to find out exactly what is needed. Otherwise, aid organizations can end up overwhelmed with material donations that they are unable to use.^[9]
   
   • Call the organization you’d like to donate to or check their website to find out what kinds of donations they are taking.
7. Ask about ways to volunteer. As an alternative to donating money or goods, you may also be able to volunteer your time. Contact rescue organizations in the affected area and find out what kinds of help they need. You can also reach out to National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD) at https://www.nvoad.org/ to find volunteer opportunities.^[10]
   
   • Don’t jump in and try to help with search and rescue efforts or other potentially dangerous activities on your own. It’s important to work with an existing volunteer organization that has already identified safe and effective ways to help out.^[11]
   • Ways to volunteer may include making calls for donations, cooking meals for survivors, delivering supplies, or getting involved in search and rescue operations.

EditSupporting Individual Tornado Victims

1. Try to contact friends and family affected by the tornado. If you know someone who’s been affected by a tornado, try to get in touch with them as soon as possible to find out if they are okay and what they need. You may be able to contact them by phone or over their social media accounts, but if not, there are a variety of resources that can help:^[12]
   
   • Try calling local law enforcement to see if they have information about your loved one.
   • Check the American Red Cross Safe and Well System and search for people you know who may have been affected: https://safeandwell.communityos.org/cms/index.php.
   • Search for your loved ones using FEMA’s National Emergency Family Registry and Locator System: https://www.fema.gov/national-emergency-family-registry-and-locator-system-fact-sheet.
   • Call 1-800-843-5678 (1-800-THE-LOST) for help locating missing children, or visit the Unaccompanied Minors Registry here: https://umr.missingkids.org/umr/reportUMR?execution=e2s1.
2. Give financial support if you can. In addition to dealing with the immediate trauma and damage caused by the tornado, many victims find themselves in severe financial difficulty long after the disaster is over. If you want to help someone affected by a tornado, consider helping them out with a little money if you are able to do so.
   
   • If you can’t give much money yourself, look into starting a crowdfunding campaign to help your loved one meet their needs.
   • For example, you might start a fund on GoFundMe.com or GiveForward.com to raise money for a loved one’s medical expenses if they were injured in the tornado.^[13]
   • You can also help connect them with disaster-related financial assistance resources, like the U.S. government’s disaster relief program at DisasterAssistance.gov.
3. Offer shelter if you’re able to. Tornadoes can cause devastating damage to people’s property, destroying homes, leaving large areas flooded or without power or water, or creating hazards such as downed powerlines and structural instability.^[14] If you know someone who’s been left homeless after a tornado or needs a place to stay while repairs are being done, consider taking them in for a while.
   
   • If you can’t provide shelter yourself, you may be able to help connect survivors with temporary shelter options in their area. For example, in the U.S., you can text SHELTER and the person’s zip code to 43362 (4FEMA) to find nearby options.^[15]
4. Help them replace lost items. After a tornado, your friends or loved ones may be faced with the task of replacing some or all of their furniture and appliances. Ask them which items they need and whether you can help by purchasing some of those items for them.
   
   • Work with them to create an online wish list so that you and other friends or relatives can purchase the specific items they need based on the list.
5. Be emotionally supportive. The emotional aftermath of a tornado or other natural disaster can be devastating. In addition to needing practical help, many tornado victims will need emotional support to help them cope with the stress of what they’ve been through.^[16] Reach out to loved ones affected by the tornado and let them know you are there if they need to talk.
   
   • Common signs of disaster-related distress include feelings of anxiety, fear, disbelief, or emotional numbness, difficulty concentrating, changes in energy or activity levels, and difficulty sleeping. Some people also have physical symptoms such as headaches, body pains, and indigestion.
   • If someone you know is experiencing an emotional or mental health crisis after a tornado, call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s Disaster Distress hotline at 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746.

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