As we are just days away from the official start of the 2013 hurricane season, we should look at the footage of Moore, Okla., and think how easily it could be us in need of assistance.

Killer tornadoes damaged or destroyed more than 12,000 homes, claimed the lives of 24 people, including 10 children, and injured 377 people.

Here in Alabama, we know all too well the devastation of tornadoes and hurricanes, and our hearts go out to those working today to kick-start recovery efforts.

If you’d like to help with relief efforts, the American Red Cross has launched a nationwide effort. Already, the Red Cross disaster teams have shelters, kitchens and emergency aid stations open. They were on the scene with personal toiletry and relief items, and many volunteer disaster workers are in Oklahoma to help.

The Red Cross partners with the Southern Baptist Convention, which has the capability of delivering thousands of meals each day.

To donate to the Red Cross, you can:

• Call. Call 1-800-RED-CROSS to donate by phone.

• Click. Go to www.redcross.org to donate online.

• Text. Text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to donate $10 through your wireless provider.

Pay it forward. We never know when we might need a little storm relief ourselves.