Yesterday's storms

We hope that all of you and your loved ones survived the tornadoes that swept across the South yesterday. With 131 confirmed deaths so far and close to a million homes still without power, Alabama was the hardest hit of the Southern states.

President Obama has approved Governor Robert Bentley’s request for emergency aid and will visit Alabama on Friday to view the devastation.

"Our hearts go out to all those who have been affected by this devastation, and we commend the heroic efforts of those who have been working tirelessly to respond to this disaster," Obama said in a statement.

Below is a picture of the Pleasant Grove Post Office after the storm.

Many other Alabama Post Offices suffered storm damage and loss of power. We will post more pictures as they trickle in, and if you have any photos of your office that you would like to share, please send them our way.

Here's a picture from the Tuscaloosa area after the mile-wide tornado devastated everything in its path.

If you would like to offer financial assistance or if you are in need of financial assistance because of the storm, please remember the Postal Employees' Relief Fund (PERF).

Founded in 1990, PERF has provided 3,000 grants totaling $15 million to active and retired postal employees who have been impacted by natural disasters and home fires.

Grants range from $1,000 to $14,000 and are based on the total amount of qualified loss after insurance claims and other assitance is received.

Applications for assistance can be found at http://www.postalrelief.com/. They must be printed out and mailed in with supportive documentation.