Press Release-Washington County Update and Reminder 2011.05.15

FEMA denial and appeal process

To move forward with FEMA’s denial of individual assistance, efforts continue by the County to identify any impacted area of the county that may not have been indentified during the initial damage assessment by FEMA and to identify those owner-occupied homes that were totally destroyed or sustained major damage that were uninsured and underinsured.

A hotline has been established for homeowners to call to report damage and insurance status. The numbers are (276) 525-1334 and (276) 525-1338. Teams are in the field going door-to-door to gather this information. Team members will have proper identification and will not be asking for social security numbers, insurance policy numbers, or bank account information. People are also encouraged to tell family, friends and neighbors about reporting insurance status of owner-occupied homes.

The hotline will remain active and fieldwork will continue until Friday, May 20, at 5:00 p.m.

Washington County Long Term Recovery Group (WCLTRG) begins accepting applications for tornado assistance

The Washington County Long Term Recovery Group (WCLTRG) is working to help the community recover from the tornadoes. The County and towns are committed to help citizens get back on their feet and begin to rebuild their lives. This disaster recovery taskforce includes county and town officials, community leaders and volunteers. The WCLTRG is a partnership between Washington County, Town of Glade Spring, United Way of Russell and Washington Counties, Washington County Department of Social Services, Washington County Office of Virginia Cooperative Extension, American Red Cross-Mountain Empire Chapter, Washington County Ecumenical Faith in Action, Southwest Virginia Medical Reserve Corp, VDOT-Bristol District, Southwestern Virginia Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster(VA VOAD), National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (National VOAD) – Adventist Community Services and several individuals that will serve as construction coordinators, volunteer coordinators, donations coordinators and case managers. Barbara Farmer, who is representing faith-based organizations in the area, will serve as the WCLTRG chairperson.

The Department of Social Services on behalf of the WCLTRG will begin taking applications for tornado disaster assistance on Monday, May 16. Applications will be accepted Monday, May 16 – Friday, May 20, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm, at the Washington County Community Services Building, 15068, Bristol, VA 24202.

For those needing assistance that do not have transportation, a round-trip shuttle service will be provided from GLADE COMMUNITY FIRST CHURCH OF GOD on the following days and times:

MONDAY, MAY 16th:
8:00 A.M.
10:00 A.M.
12:00 P.M.
2:00 P.M.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 18th:
8:00 A.M.
10:00 A.M.
12:00 P.M.
2:00 P.M.

FRIDAY, MAY 20th:
8:00 A.M.
10:00 A.M.
12:00 P.M.
2:00 P.M.

The American Red Cross, Mountain Empire Chapter is currently helping to meet immediate needs of both individuals and families. Please call the Red Cross at 276-645-6650 for assistance.

Long term volunteer processing call center established. To volunteer or to request volunteer assistance please call (276) 628-2160

The Washington County Long Term Recovery Group (WCLTRG) has partnered with United Way of Russell and Washington Counties to establish a long-term call center for continued volunteer and referral processing. Both individuals and groups wishing to volunteer need to register with the Volunteer Processing Call Center by calling (276) 628-2160.

Those seeking volunteer assistance for such tasks as yard clean up, debris clean up and simple household repair should also contact the Volunteer Processing Call Center. Registered volunteers are being assigned and matched to tasks and jobs that damage assessments and victim surveys have identified, as well as those received from individuals in the affected areas. Volunteer teams will also be assigned to larger rebuilding projects along with licensed contractors.

To volunteer or to request volunteer assistance please call (276) 628-2160. The Volunteer Processing Call Center hours are Monday – Friday, 8:30 pm – 5:00 pm.
Previous telephone numbers listed for volunteer registration are no longer active.

Donations continue to be accepted
The best way to help tornado victims is to donate money to established disaster relief organizations. The following organizations are actively collecting funds for those affected:

United Way of Russell and Washington Counties
1. Online – Financial donations can be made to the United Way Disaster Support Fund at www.rwcunitedway.or and by clicking on the GIVE tab.
2. Mail – Donations by check can be made out to the United Way Disaster Support Fund and mailed to United Way of Russell and Washington Counties, P.O. Box 644, Abingdon, VA 24212.
3. Mobile Giving – Make a $10 donation by texting SUPPORT to 27722. Standard text messaging rates do apply.
4. By Phone – Call (276) 628-2160. Questions about the fund can be directed to this number.

American Red Cross, Mountain Empire Chapter (276) 645-6650.

Distribution centers continue to operate and will distribute food and supplies as long as needed

The Churches of Christ Disaster Relief Center is now open in Glade Spring at Dunn Field Community Center located next to the ball fields at Stadium and Mesa Drive. The relief center will be open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm. For information please call (276) 608-4675.

The Washington County Long Term Recovery Group (WCLTRG) is working with Ecumenical Faith in Action to establish longer-term distribution centers. Information about locations and times will be announced as each is open.

For more disaster recovery information please visit the Washington County website at www.washcova.com or the United Way website at www.rwcunitedway.org.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WASHINGTON COUNTY LONG TERM RECOVERY GROUP WILL BE ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR TORNADO DISASTER ASSISTANCE

WHEN: MONDAY, MAY 16th - FRIDAY, MAY 20th

TIME: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

LOCATION: WASHINGTON COUNTY COMMUNITY SERVICES BUILDING

15068 LEE HIGHWAY, BRISTOL, VA 24202

TORNADO DISASTER ASSISTANCE WILL BE CONSIDERED FOR:

 Home repairs
 Rental Assistance
 Medication
 Utilities
 And other needs

For those needing assistance and do not have transportation, a round-trip Shuttle Service will be provided from GLADE COMMUNITY FIRST CHURCH OF GOD on the following days and times:

MONDAY, MAY 16th:
8:00 A.M.
10:00 A.M.
12:00 P.M.
2:00 P.M.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 18th:
8:00 A.M.
10:00 A.M.
12:00 P.M.
2:00 P.M.

FRIDAY, MAY 20th:
8:00 A.M.
10:00 A.M.
12:00 P.M.
2:00 P.M.

Press Release-Washington County Update 2011.05.11 FELECIA and LADY IN GLADE

FEMA denial and appeal process

To move forward with FEMA’s denial of individual assistance, efforts are still underway by the County to identify any impacted area of the county that may not have been indentified during the initial damage assessment by FEMA and to identify those owner-occupied homes that were totally destroyed or sustained major damage that were uninsured and underinsured.

A hotline has been established for homeowners to call to report damage and insurance status. The numbers are (276) 525-1334 and (276) 525-1338. Teams will also be out in the field beginning Thursday afternoon, going door-to-door to gather this information. Team members will have proper identification and will not be asking for social security numbers, insurance policy numbers, or bank account information. People are also encouraged to tell family, friends, and neighbors about reporting insurance status of owner-occupied homes.

Long Term Recovery Group (LTRG)

The County’s Long Term Recovery Group (LTRG) has been formed and will be working to help the community recover from the tornadoes. The County and towns are committed to help citizens get back on their feet and begin to rebuild their lives. This disaster recovery taskforce includes county and town officials, community leaders and volunteers. The LTRG is a partnership between Washington County, Town of Glade, United Way of Russell and Washington Counties, Washington County Department of Social Services, American Red Cross-Mountain Empire Chapter, Washington County Ecumenical Faith in Action, Southwest Virginia Medical Reserve Corp, VDOT-Bristol District, Southwestern Virginia Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster(VA VOAD), National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (National VOAD) – Adventist Community Services, and several individuals that will serve as construction coordinators, volunteer coordinators, donations coordinators, and case managers. Barbara Farmer, who is representing faith-based organizations in the area, will serve as the LTRG chairperson.

Meetings are being held each day this week to establish the process for citizens to request assistance for specific short term and long term needs such as food, medications, unemployment, home repairs and rebuilding. The Department of Social Services will begin doing intake for assistance on Monday, May 16. Transportation to and from the Glade Spring area is currently being arranged. Pick-up times and locations will be announced over the weekend along with more information about the type of assistance that will be provided.

The American Red Cross, Mountain Empire Chapter is currently helping to meet immediate needs of both individuals and families. Please call 276-645-6650 for assistance.

Donations

The best way to help tornado victims is to donate money to established disaster relief organizations. The following organizations are actively collecting funds for those affected:

United Way of Russell and Washington Counties
1. Online – Financial donations can be made to the United Way Disaster Support Fund at www.rwcunitedway.or and by clicking on the GIVE tab.
2. Mail – Donations by check can be made out to the United Way Disaster Support Fund and mailed to United Way of Russell and Washington Counties, P.O. Box 644, Abingdon, VA 24212.
3. Mobile Giving – Make a $10 donation by texting SUPPORT to 27722. Standard text messaging rates do apply.
4. By Phone – Call (276) 628-2160. Questions about the fund can be directed to this number.

American Red Cross, Mountain Empire Chapter (276) 645-6650.

Distribution Centers
The Churches of Christ Disaster Relief Center is now open in Glade Spring at Dunn Field Community Center located next to the ball fields at Stadium and Mesa Drive. The relief center will be open Monday through Saturday from 9 am to 12 pm and 1 pm to 5 pm each day. For information please call (276) 608-4675.

The distribution/recovery center at Joy Baptist Church has closed.

The distribution center at Old Glade Presbyterian Church will be closing at the end of the week.

The Long Term Recovery Group (LTRG) will be working with Ecumenical Faith in Action to establish longer-term distribution centers. Information about locations and times will be announced as each is open.

Volunteer Coordination
To volunteer please call the Volunteer Processing Call Center.

Hours of Operation are:
• Monday May 9th through Friday May 13th - 8:30 am - 5 pm
• Hours of Operation after May 13th will be posted in the coming days.

Volunteer Processing Call Center Contact Telephone Numbers:
• (276) 525-1335
• (276) 525-1336
• (276) 525-1337

Registered volunteers are being assigned and matched to tasks and jobs that damage assessments have identified and those received from individuals in the affected areas. This includes debris clean up and other assistance such as home tarping and food delivery. Volunteer teams will also be assigned to larger rebuilding projects along with licensed contractors.

Those wanting to volunteer at this time are reminded that clean up and recovery will take many months and there are opportunities to help such as renting storage facilities, paying for extended lodging, helping when reconstruction begins, and even looking ahead to help with summer vacations and during the holidays.

Debris removal – “Push it to the Curb” or “Push it Near the Ditch”

For assistance for debris removal citizens are being encouraged to “push it to the curb” and “push it near the ditch.” Please do not put debris directly in the ditch as this will cause a flood hazard. The county understands that some citizens do not have the manpower or means to remove debris. The county will pick up large debris that is on the public right-of-way (curb or near the ditch). The county cannot come on private property to remove debris so citizens need to place it as close to the public right of way as possible.

Debris collection operations in the hardest hit areas of Glade Spring and Bethel are underway. Contractors are working seven (7) days a week, twelve (12) hours a day to collect tornado-generated debris that is on public right of way. In a systematic fashion, the debris removal contractor will fan out to the northeast and the southwest reaching the boundaries of the damage by Friday (5/20/11) of next week. Collection of all tornado-generated debris moved to the curb or near the ditch from one subdivision/street/block in a zone will be completed before moving to the next. Please do not put debris directly in the ditch as this will cause a flood hazard.

Three collection passes will be made. From the 5/12/11 to the 5/18/11, the first pass will be made. The debris collected will include vegetative debris and bulky material, large construction material, white goods and items that pose a health and safety risk. A second and third pass will follow in the same manner. Guidance regarding the second and third pass will be provided prior to the start of each. Any debris placed out for collection after the FINAL PASS will not be collected by the county.

As you prepare to place your debris at the curb or near the ditch for collection, please follow these guidelines:

1. Do not place debris on top of utilities such as cable, phone, electrical, storm drain boxes or fire hydrants.
2. Please do not place debris in front of or around your mailbox.
3. Please do not place debris in front of or around your driveway, as emergency vehicles may need to enter the area.
4. Please drive with extreme caution in areas with large debris piles.
5. Please do not block or dump any debris into the storm drains or directly in ditches. This will cause a flood hazard.
6. Please aid the contractor by sweeping excess and loose debris from the street in front of your house.
7. Please create separate hazardous debris piles such as paint cans, propane tanks, etc., from construction and demolition debris piles. This will aid the expedited collection of debris from the roadway.
8. Report damages that occur to your personal property to the contractor hotline at (866) 932-0333.
9. Report drainage problems to (276) 623-1011 or ((276) 669-1868.

Citizens may also haul debris to the following sites:

Construction Debris:

County Transfer Station
14759 Industrial Park Road
Bristol
Hours of Operation are 8:00 am – 4:00 pm, Monday - Saturday
No tipping fee for residents in the disaster area.

Trees, Brush and Other Vegetation Debris:

County Landfill
27263 Porter Lane
Abingdon
Hours of Operation are 8:00 am – 4:00 pm, Monday – Saturday

Alternate Debris Collection Site:

Highlands Business Park
Owens Drive
Glade Spring

Your patience, cooperation and assistance are appreciated as we undertake this monumental clean-up effort.

For additional information about debris removal, please call (276) 623-1011 or (276) 669-1868.

For more information about disaster recovery efforts in the county, please visit the county’s website at www.washcova.com.

###

Press Release-Washington County Update Insurance Hotline 2011.05.09

Washington County VA has established a hotline for resident insurance verification

The first step in the appeal process for the denial of FEMA assistance is to identify those residents with homes that were destroyed or suffered major damage that may be uninsured or under insured. County officials have established a telephone hotline that will be operational at noon today, taking calls from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday. Hotline numbers are: 276-525-1334 and 276-525-1338.

The Insurance Verification Form may also be accessed on the County’s website at www.washcova.com.

Teams are also being formed that will be out in the field visiting residents door-to-door to gather insurance information. This work will begin mid-week. Those seeking information will have proper identification and will not be asking for social security numbers, insurance policy numbers, or bank account information.

The county is in the process of establishing a Long Term Recovery Group (LTRG), which will help the community recover from the tornadoes. This disaster recovery taskforce will include county and town officials, community leaders and volunteers. The group will be meeting on Tuesday with the Virginia Department of Emergency Management to begin this effort.

Washington County Update 5-3-11

The county is awaiting a determination from FEMA in regard to qualifying for federal assistance. Once the determination is known, information will be provided to citizens about applying for disaster assistance.

Due to the severe storms that struck Virginia on April 27, 2011, Tax Commissioner Craig M. Burns has granted a 30-day extension to affected taxpayers for filing returns and making payments on their state taxes for residents of Washington County.

There were two tracks in Washington County - one was a 2.2 square mile area that was 3.5 miles long, the other was a 24 square mile area that was 21 miles long.

407 addressed structures and 125 unaddressed structures (barns, shed, outbuildings, etc.) suffered damage ranging from “affected” to “destroyed.”

The county has determined an estimated amount of loss using aerial photography, ground assessments, and county GIS data. The estimated value of destroyed structures is 9 million dollars and the value of structures that were destroyed or suffered major damage is 40 million dollars.

Curfew for the damaged area remains in effect until further notice 8 p.m. – 6 a.m. Contractors are still required to register for and use an entry permit. Entry permits are not valid without the building permit number assigned by the Washington County Department of Building & Development Services. Building permits and entry permits can be obtained at the Department of Building & Development Services at 205 Academy Drive, Abingdon.

Tornado victim assistance

The shelter at the King Center has closed.

A Disaster Recovery Center has opened at:
Joy Baptist Church
37266 Farris Drive
Glade Spring, VA
Hours: 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Services include: mental health, legal assistance, Red Cross, Social Services, United Way, WIC, nursing, DMV, VEC, tetanus shots.
The center is also distributing hot meals, food, water, clothing, baby supplies, cleaning supplies, and many other needed items for tornado victims

Other services and assistance being provided include:
Glade Spring Baptist Church
414 South Monte Vista Dr.
Glade Spring, VA
This location is providing showers and laundry services for tornado victims, they should bring their own towels if possible
Showers and laundry are open 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Landmark Baptist Church
34299 Lee Highway
Glade Spring, VA
American Red Cross is distributing rakes, gloves, storage bins, mops, brooms and cleaning supplies – while supplies last

Feeding America – Southwest Virginia has provided over 70,000 pounds of food to various organizations and churches to assist with providing thousands of meals each day.

Volunteer Coordination

Because of the wonderful outpouring of care, nearly 800 volunteers have registered through the Volunteer Reception Center. Registration of volunteers has been suspended in order for those registered to be used for the tasks and jobs that damage assessments have identified.

Those wanting to volunteer at this time are reminded that clean up and recovery will take many months and there are opportunities to help such as renting storage facilities, paying for extended lodging, helping when reconstruction begins, and even looking ahead to help with summer vacations and Christmas gifts.

Donations

The best way to help tornado victims is to donate money to established disaster relief organizations. The following organizations are actively collecting funds for those affected:

United Way of Russell and Washington Counties
1. Online – Financial donations can be made to the United Way Disaster Support Fund at www.rwcunitedway.or and by clicking on the GIVE tab.
2. Mail – Donations by check can be made out to the United Way Disaster Support Fund and mailed to United Way of Russell and Washington Counties, P.O. Box 644, Abingdon, VA 24212.
3. Mobile Giving – Make a $10 donation by texting SUPPORT to 27722. Standard text messaging rates do apply.
4. By Phone – Call 276-628-2160. Questions about the fund can be directed to this number.

American Red Cross, Mountain Empire Chapter— 276-645-6650

Donated non-perishable food, water, baby supplies and cleaning supplies and personal hygiene products (no clothing) can be brought to:

Joy Baptist Church
37266 Farris Drive
Glade Spring, VA
Hours: 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Glade Spring Baptist Church
414 South Monte Vista Dr.
Glade Spring, VA

Old Glade Presbyterian Church
33234 Lee Highway
Glade Spring, VA
8:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Please do NOT donate clothing

Debris removal

Trees, limbs and other woody debris can be taken to the Washington County Landfill. The landfill has extended their operational hours. They are open every day between 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Household debris can be taken to the Washington County Transfer Station located in the Bristol-Washington County Industrial Park. Monday through Sunday 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Fees have been waived except for commercial vendors.

Hazardous Household waste from the damaged area should be taken to:
MXI Environmental Services
26319 Old Trail Rd.
Abingdon, VA
9 a.m. – noon Monday – Friday

They are not accepting Industrial waste, tires, explosives or bullets.

American Red Cross - News Release - Provides Comfort for Tornado Victims

Contact: Amy Whittaker
Public Affairs Desk
Telephone: 540-520-5566

Contact: Felisha McNabb
Mountain Empire Chapter
Phone: (276)645-6650
Email: 276-645-6650

Red Cross Provides Comfort for Tornado Victims

Bristol, VA- May 2, 2011 The American Red Cross is helping residents in Southwest Virginia where destructive tornadoes damaged homes and caused power outages. The primary goal of the Red Cross is to take care of those affected.
• Mobile feeding vehicles have been canvassing neighborhoods providing meals and distributing hygiene and clean-up kits since Thursday, April 30. As of May 1, the Red Cross has served 3,413 meals and snacks.
• The Red Cross began providing individual client casework, mental health counseling and financial assistance on May 1 for families whose homes were destroyed or suffered major damage. This assistance is available at Joy Baptist Church, 37266 Farris Drive, Glade Spring from 10am-6pm. The Chapter anticipates providing financial assistance to 95 families.
• The Red Cross has set up a bulk distribution site for cleaning items, rakes, brooms, etc, at Landmark Baptist Church, 34319 Lee Highway, Glade Spring from 10am-6pm.
• The shelter that was located at the King Center at Emory and Henry College closed today at noon, as there were no residents in the shelter
• Those needing Red Cross assistance may call 276-645-6650.

Help people affected by disasters like the recent tornadoes by donating to American Red Cross Disaster Relief. Your gift enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to victims of all disasters. To make a donation, visit www.redcross.org, call 1-800 RED CROSS or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Contributions can also be sent to the Mountain Empire Chapter at 14298 Lee Highway, Bristol VA or the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington DC 20013

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and counsels victims of disasters; provides nearly half of the nation’s blood supply; teaches lifesaving skills; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization – not a government agency – and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its humanitarian mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or join our blog at www.redcrosschat.org.

-End-

NEWS RELEASE - Updates on Washington County Recovery Efforts

Here are the latest updates for Washington County recovery efforts.

5/1/11

Curfew for the damaged area remains in effect until further notice 8 p.m. – 6 a.m.

Tornado victim assistance
The shelter will remain open until no longer needed. It is located at:

King Center
Emory & Henry College
12221 Collins Dr.
Emory, VA

Supplies for tornado victims can be picked up at the following locations:
Available items include: water, food, baby supplies, cleaning supplies and other non-perishable goods.

Joy Baptist Church
37266 Farris Drive
Glade Spring, VA
Hours: 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Other tornado recovery services are available at this location between 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Glade Spring Baptist Church
414 South Monte Vista Dr.
Glade Spring, VA
This location is providing showers and laundry services
Hours: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Landmark Baptist Church
34299 Lee Highway
Glade Spring, VA
American Red Cross is distributing rakes, gloves, storage bins, mops, brooms and cleaning supplies
Monday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Volunteer Coordination
A Volunteer Reception Center has been established to coordinate volunteer activities. People interested in volunteering can call or visit to register and receive permits.

The center is located at:

King Center
Emory & Henry College
12221 Collins Dr.
Emory, Va
Hours: 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Phone: 276-944-6737 or 6162

Donations
The best way to help tornado victims is to donate money to established disaster relief organizations. The following organizations are actively collecting funds for those affected:

American Red Cross, Mountain Empire Chapter— 276-645-6650

United Way of Russell and Washington Counties

1. Online – Financial donations can be made to the United Way Disaster Support Fund at www.rwcunitedway.or and by clicking on the GIVE tab.

2. Mail – Donations by check can be made out to the United Way Disaster Support Fund and mailed to United Way of Russell and Washington Counties, P.O. Box 644, Abingdon, VA 24212.

3. Mobile Giving – Make a $10 donation by texting SUPPORT to 27722. Standard text messaging rates do apply.

4. By Phone – Call 276-628-2160. Questions about the fund can be directed to this number.

Donated non-perishable food , water, baby supplies and cleaning supplies (no clothing) can be brought to :

Joy Baptist Church
37266 Farris Drive
Glade Spring, VA
Hours: 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Old Glade Presbyterian Church
33234 Lee Highway
Glade Spring, VA
8:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Glade Spring Baptist Church
414 South Monte Vista Dr.
Glade Spring, VA

Do NOT donate clothing

Debris removal
Trees, limbs and other woody debris can be taken to the Washington County Landfill. The landfill has extended their operational hours. They are open every day between 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Household debris can be taken to the Washington County Transfer Station located in the Bristol-Washington County Industrial Park. Monday through Sunday 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Hazardous Household waste from the damaged area should be taken to:

MXI Environmental Services
26319 Old Trail Rd.
Abingdon, Va
9 a.m. – noon Monday – Friday

They are not accepting Industrial waste, tires, explosives or bullets.

Red Cross Assistance Now Available At King Center

Contact: Amy Whittaker
Disaster Public Affairs
Telephone: (540) 520-5566

Felisha McNabb
Mountain Empire Chapter
(276) 645-6650

Caseworkers and counseling services available

Bristol, VA April 30, 2011 — The American Red Cross will be providing client assistance as well as mental health counseling at Joy Baptist Church.

Hours of operation will be Sunday, May 1 from 1pm-6pm and Monday-Friday from 8am-6pm.

A shelter continues to be available at the King Center.

Red Cross assistance can also be accessed by calling the Mountain Empire Chapter at 276-645-6650.

Help people affected by disasters like the recent tornadoes, by donating to American Red Cross Disaster Relief. Your gift enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to victims of all disasters. To make a donation, visit www.redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Contributions may also be sent to the Mountain Empire Chapter at 14298 Lee Highway, Bristol, VA 24202 or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013.

###

Update:

As of 1630, 30 April, National Weather Service has confirmed 14 tornadoes. 1 – EF3, 3 – EF2, 7 – EF1 and 3 – EF0.

• EF3 – Washington County, Glade Spring area; length – 18 miles; width – three quarters of a mile (.75)

• EF2 – Rockingham County, St. Luke area/Shenandoah County, Fulks Run area; length – 33 miles; width – 400 yards
• EF2 – Halifax County, town of Halifax area; length – 13.4 miles; width – 350 yards
• EF2 – Smyth County, Chilhowie area; length – 2.8 miles; width – half a mile (.5)

• EF1 – Rockingham County, Keezletown area; length – 1.8 miles; width – 150 yards
• EF1 – Rockingham County, Linville area; length - .9 miles; width – 50 yards
• EF1 – Prince Edward County, Farmville area/Cumberland County; length – 5.5 miles; width – 100 yards
• EF1 – Caroline County, Carmel Church area; length – 1 mile; width – 100 yards
• EF1 – Augusta County, Churchville area; length – 4 miles; width – 150 yards
• EF1 – Goochland County, Oilville area; length – 2 miles; width – 100 yards
• EF1 – Hanover County, Coatesville area; length – 2 miles; width – 100 to 150 yards

• EF0 – Prince William County, Nokesville area; length – half a mile (.5); width – 75 yards
• EF0 – Shenandoah County, Strasburg area/Frederick County, Middletown area; length – 4.3 miles; width – 175 yards
• EF0 – Washington County, Abingdon area; length – 2 miles; width – 50 yards

NEWS RELEASE - Updates on Washington County Recovery Efforts

Contact: Bob Spieldenner, VDEM public affairs director, working with Washington County
(804) 484-4201
bob.spieldenner@vdem.virginia.gov

Here are the latest updates for Washington County recovery efforts.
4/30/11
Curfew for the damaged area remains in effect until further notice 8 p.m. – 6 a.m.

Tornado victim assistance

The shelter will remain open until no longer needed. It is located at:
King Center
Emory & Henry College
12221 Collins Dr.
Emory, VA

The distribution of tornado victim supplies is being moved from the King Center to:
Joy Baptist Church
37266 Farris Drive
Glade Spring, VA
Beginning Sunday, May 1
Hours: 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Available items include: water, food, diapers, cleaning supplies and other non-perishable goods.

Volunteer Coordination
A Volunteer Reception Center has been established to coordinate volunteer activities. People interested in volunteering can call or visit to register and receive permits.

The center is located at:
King Center
Emory & Henry College
12221 Collins Dr.
Emory, VA

Phone: 276-944-6737 or 6162

Donations
The best way to help tornado victims is to donate money to established disaster relief organizations. The following organizations are actively collecting funds for those affected:

American Red Cross, Mountain Empire Chapter— 276-645-6650

United Way of Russell and Washington Counties
1. Online – Financial donations can be made to the United Way Disaster Support Fund at www.rwcunitedway.or and by clicking on the GIVE tab.
2. Mail – Donations by check can be made out to the United Way Disaster Support Fund and mailed to United Way of Russell and Washington Counties, P.O. Box 644, Abingdon, VA 24212.
3. Mobile Giving – Make a $10 donation by texting SUPPORT to 27722. Standard text messaging rates do apply.
4. By Phone – Call 276-628-2160. Questions about the fund can be directed to this number.

Donated non-perishable food , water, baby supplies, cleaning supplies can be brought to :
Joy Baptist Church
37266 Farris Drive
Glade Spring, VA
Beginning Sunday, May 1
Hours: 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Do NOT donate clothing

Debris removal
Trees, limbs and other woody debris can be taken to the Washington County Landfill. The landfill has extended their operational hours. They are open every day between 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Household debris can be taken to the Washington County Transfer Station located in the Bristol-Washington County Industrial Park. Monday through Sunday 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Hazardous Household waste from the damaged area should be taken to:
MXI Environmental Services
26319 Old Trail Rd.
Abingdon, VA
9 a.m. – noon Monday – Friday

They are not accepting Industrial waste, tires, explosives or bullets.

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