Updates: Appomattox Tornado Aftermath, Advisories and Updates

UPDATE: Thursday March 3:

Appomattox County officials say there is still an urgent need for monetary donations for storm victims and their personal and housing needs. If you would like to make a contribution, please donate to the county's designated 501(c)(3) organization, Gleaning for the World, P.O. Box 224, Appomattox, VA 24522 and specify "Appomattox Tornado Relief." Donations can also be made to the organization of your choice.

And VDEM has released the final numbers on the destruction, coming from FEMA's inspections:

30 structures destroyed

12 major damage

48 minor damage

46 structures affected in some way

=136 total structures involved. That includes all damage not just insured or uninsured.

UPDATE: Wed March 2:

We have new numbers from the Virginia Department of Emergency Management on structural damage from last week's tornado in Appomattox County. VDEM now says 27 structures were destroyed, 12 had major damage, 44 had minor damage and 40 were affected in some way, for a total of 123 structures. That's down from Tuesday's number of 161 total.

VDEM explains that initial numbers are estimates until teams can go from place to place and make true assessments. A final number is expected Thursday.

Also a couple of notes for tornado victims:

-Gleaning for the World will be handing out supplies Thursday from 10 to 6 at Evergreen Baptist Church.

-Also the firm Relevant Law is offering free legal services to families or businesses who need help with things like housing or insurance claims.

"Now that individuals and families affected by the tornado are receiving the vital care and necessities needed to sustain them during this tragic time, it is important for us to consider additional services that they will need in the near future, such as potential difficulties with insurance claims and housing issues," said Mark G. Bold, attorney and Managing Partner of Relevant Law. "Phase one of the disaster relief involved ensuring that individuals' life-sustaining needs were adequately and promptly addresses. Now we are beginning to move into Phase 2 -- which involves the literal rebuilding of their lives," said Mr. Bold. "We want to help to do our part in helping facilitate that rebuilding effort." For additional questions, individuals should call 434-288-0411 or 1-844-4-RELEVANT (844-473-5382).

Donations:

There is still an urgent need for monetary donations for storm victims and their personal and housing needs. If you would like to make a contribution, please donate to the county's designated 501(c)(3) organization, Gleaning for the World, "Appomattox Tornado Fund," or the organization of your choice.

Supply Distribution:

Evergreen Baptist Church Supply Distribution: Household supplies, tools, and small equipment are available for pick up by the community between the hours of 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. The church is located at 472 White Pine Drive, Appomattox. If deliveries are needed, please call (434) 352-5716.

Items available include small equipment, garbage bags, packing tape, moving boxes, flashlights, work gloves, household cleaning supplies, pet items, baby supplies, toiletries, and a variety of other items. See Appomattox County's Facebook page for a complete list.

UPDATE: Tuesday March 1:

Appomattox County officials want to get the word out they do not need any more supply drives at this time, but there's an urgent need for financial donations for victims' housing needs. Make sure you designate "Appomattox County Tornado Relief" when you donate to whichever organization you choose. Here's their latest update:

On Tuesday:

1,713 meals were served by Tysons

58 volunteers assisted with clean up and recovery efforts

All roads have been cleared and are open to traffic. Volunteer agencies continue to work with local officials and emergency management teams to provide direct on-site support.

Donations:

All supply needs have been met at this time and are no longer being accepted at the Fred Jones Warehouse #2 or Evergreen Baptist Church.

We sincerely appreciate the outpouring of support and generosity from the region in helping the residents of Appomattox County.

There is still an urgent need for financial donations for storm victims and their housing needs. If you would like to make a contribution, please donate to Gleaning for the World or the organization of your choice and designate it for "Appomattox Disaster Relief."

Supply Distribution:

Evergreen Baptist Church Supply Distribution: Household supplies, tools, and small equipment are available for pick up by the community between the hours of 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. The church is located at 472 White Pine Drive, Appomattox. If deliveries are needed, please call (434) 352-5716.

Items available include small equipment, garbage bags, packing tape, moving boxes, flashlights, work gloves, household cleaning supplies, pet items, baby supplies, toiletries, and a variety of other items. See Appomattox County's Facebook page for a complete list.

Gleaning for the World will be at Evergreen Baptist Church on Thursday, March 3, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. to distribute additional supplies to storm victims.

UPDATE:

Monday February 29, 5:15 p.m.

Officials with the Virginia Department of Emergency Management now say 41 homes were destroyed and 161 buildings damaged in the tornado. As they continue to assess, this number could still rise. As of right now VDEM says 35 are displaced, down from 375 at the height, and those numbers comes from the American Red Cross. The numbers are regularly fluctuating.

And from Appomattox County Officials:

Donations and Supply Distribution:

Evergreen Baptist Church Supply Distribution: Household supplies are available for pick up by the community between the hours of 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. The church is located at 472 White Pine Drive, Appomattox. If deliveries are needed, please call (434) 352-5716. Items available include garbage bags, packing tape, moving boxes, flashlights, work gloves, household cleaning supplies, pet items, baby supplies, toiletries, and a variety of other items. See Appomattox County's Facebook page for a complete list.

Fred Jones Warehouse #2: Disaster relief supplies are being received, coordinated and distributed from the Fred Jones Warehouse #2 (behind the Museum of the Confederacy), 209 Horse Shoe Road, Appomattox. Those who need items delivered are asked to call (434) 352-2637 with their requests, and arrangements will be made.

Please note: At this time, we are no longer accepting clothing or water. Those needs have been met.

UPDATE:

Saturday, February 27, 2016 - 1:30 p.m.

Message from County Administrator, Susan Adams:

Many agencies from local, regional, state and federal levels are cooperatively providing support in short-term and long-term response. We are deeply grateful for this assistance. We will continue in our collaborative recovery efforts as we work together to rebuild our community.

Message from Chairman of the Appomattox County Board of Supervisors, Sam Carter:

In devastating events such as this, the Appomattox community pulls together as neighbor looks after neighbor, friend looks after friend. It's amazing how local citizens of all ages congeal to help one another even in the most trying of times. This week's tragic incident will always be remembered and we will always remain - the Power of One.

General Safety:

• For safety purposes, please avoid storm-impacted areas.

Schools:

• Schools will operate Monday, February 29 on regular schedules.

Valuable Item Storage:

• Law enforcement is offering secured storage of storm-affected residents' valuable items at the Evergreen Baptist Church (472 White Pine Drive).
• Residents wishing to secure small containers of valuable personal belongings, fire arms, or other items may deposit them from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. for protected storage. Items will be guarded on-location or at the Appomattox Sheriff's Office.

Voting Precinct Relocation:

• Voting for Tuesday's primary election has been relocated from Central Baptist Church to Friendship Baptist Church (127 Woodlawn Trail, Appomattox, VA). Voters who do not have identification may contact the Appomattox Voter Registrar at (434) 352- 5302.

FEMA:

FEMA representatives have offered support to local officials and will be assisting in damage assessment throughout the County, starting today.

American Red Cross Client Case Work:

The American Red Cross will provide client case work ( regarding financial assistance through the American Red Cross) for storm-affected citizens at the Appomattox Community Center, 220 Community Lane, Appomattox.

• Sunday Hours - 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Monday Hours - noon - 7 p.m.
• Tuesday case work will be relocated to the Evergreen Baptist Church (473 White Pine Drive) from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Avoiding Scams:

• Scam artists, identity thieves and other criminals may attempt to prey on those affected by this weather incident.
• The most common post-disaster fraud practices include: phony housing inspectors, fraudulent building contractors, bogus pleas for disaster donations and fake offers of state or federal aid. Be careful to check any agency or service for legitimacy before making a donation or entering into an agreement.
• Alert local law enforcement agencies of any suspected scams.

Volunteers:

• Due to the tremendous outpouring of support, roles for individual volunteers are sufficiently filled at this time. Only recovery volunteers from vetted and insured disaster relief agencies are being registered and deployed to affected areas.
• Officials thank all volunteers for their willingness to serve. If you have a desire to help, please consider registering with an official relief organization.

Donations:

Donated supplies (large and small volume) are being accepted and coordinated at:

• Fred Jones Warehouse #2 (behind the Museum of the Confederacy) - 209 Horse Shoe Road, Appomattox.

Non-perishable supply donations are also being accepted at:

• Gleaning for the World - 7539 Stage Road, Concord, VA 24538 - (434) 993-3600.
• Lynchburg Fire Stations - Lynchburg Fire Department is offering drop-off points (at any Lynchburg Fire Station) for non-perishable food, bottled water, new clothing (with tags), cleaning supplies and pet supplies for Appomattox citizens.

Financial Donations are being accepted at:

• Gleaning for the World - click HERE.
• American Red Cross - Checks may be made payable to the Red Cross and personally submitted or mailed to the Red Cross Office at 1007 Sheffield Drive, Lynchburg, VA 24502 - (434) 845-1234. Please specify for "Appomattox Disaster."

Debris Disposal:

• All debris should be taken to the Appomattox County Landfill, 146 Recycle Lane, Appomattox, for disposal.
• The Landfill will be increasing its hours of operation to receive storm debris: Monday through Saturday are 7 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.; Sunday are 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

• Volunteers will be on-site at the Landfill to assist with proper debris separation and disposal.
• Do not take storm debris to trash collection/convenience centers.
• Do not burn debris on your property.
• Please secure any loads of debris in vehicles with proper restraints to avoid losing items on roadways (which can create additional hazards).
• Use extra caution if sawing limbs/trees/brush; take frequent breaks and avoid getting overheated and dehydrated, even in winter. Be sure to wear protective covering at all times if cutting and/or loading debris.

Emergency Shelters: (now closed)

• The Appomattox Community Center (located at 220 Community Lane in Appomattox) has transitioned to a supply distribution and reception site (small volume). The Community Center is accepting bottled water, non-perishable food, personal items, and cleaning supplies.
• The Pamplin Emergency shelter is now closed.

Contractors:

All contractors responding to this incident must register at the Old Thomasville Furniture Building at 310 Founders Lane, Appomattox, VA (main parking lot). Any contractor (servicing a state entity or resident) needing to access the storm-impacted site must receive a clearance pass.

Help Line:

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Please call the Appomattox Helpline at (434) 352-2637 for additional information or with questions.