Caldwell County Emergency Management Director Joey McCaslin provided updates to fiscal court this week regarding the long-term recovery from the December tornado and a grant for emergency generators.
McCaslin said the number one priority of the Caldwell County Long Term Recovery Group is to provide care and help to those affected by the December tornado. However, he says it’s getting to a critical stage because people are not answering their phones when representatives call them.
click to download audioHe added representatives are spending a lot of time trying to contact survivors who have filled out the long-term recovery group survey.
click to download audioAs previously reported by the News Edge, the long-term recovery group is in need of volunteers to make calls next Wednesday, April 20, as the group hosts a Call Day to notify victims of the tornado and identify their immediate needs. Catholic Charities, which is handling case management for Caldwell County’s long-term recovery effort, will provide telephones and a script for volunteers making phone calls.
Those willing to volunteer for the April 20 Call Day should email CaldwellLTRG@gmail.com.
In addition, McCaslin informed magistrates the county has applied for a grant through the Pennyrile Area Development District seeking $500,000 for emergency generators.
click to download audioAs an example, he said they have included the local hospital in the grant to receive a generator.
click to download audioThey are also asking for three portable generators on trailers that can be used at the different shelters around the county. In addition they included emergency generators for other businesses in the grant application.
click to download audioHe said they should know by October if the grant is approved and then the county can start the bid process.
