Over the weekend, Hurricane Helene devastated the Southeast, causing widespread devastation in parts of the country unaccustomed to such disasters. The storm destroyed homes, businesses and roads, left millions without power and cell service and stranded people in western North Carolina amid meters of floodwater. More than 130 deaths have been reported in six states, including Florida, Tennessee, Georgia and North Carolina.

Relief supplies are being airlifted to affected areas of North Carolina and the National Guard has been deployed to support rescue efforts. As the aid continues, many people across the country want to offer their support.

Here are some ways you can support the burgeoning relief effort, and what to avoid to avoid hindering emergency and rescue workers on the ground in these crucial early days.

What you can do now

Immediately after the storm, do not send donations or supplies that have not been specifically requested by state and local organizations, according to the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency. In a statement to X, TEMA said it was not accepting volunteers or donations “until the life safety mission is completed.”

While donating supplies is well-intentioned, it can “add further stress to a community already in crisis,” according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency. If you are located in the areas affected by Helene, contact established local or national charities to ensure you are donating exactly what is needed and in the quantities needed (usually in bulk). According to FEMA, used clothing is never required.

The best way to offer your support after a disaster, according to FEMA, is with a monetary donation. “Local organizations know what items and quantities are needed, often purchase in bulk at discounts, and, when possible, purchase through businesses near the disaster area, supporting economic recovery,” the agency says on its website .

Here are some organizations you can donate money to:

To avoid charity scams, research the organizations you want to donate to and avoid donating to those that have obvious red flags, such as: Give.org and Charity Navigator provide trustworthiness ratings for many charity groups.

If your help is needed in the coming weeks and months

Do not volunteer in a disaster area. Instead, stay home and donate until a disaster area has been declared safe to enter and volunteer needs have been assessed. Volunteers should only come once they have secured an assignment with an established organization that has requested support.