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Cash donations needed
Stormy weather ravages central Florida
By SUZETTE PORTER
Article published on Friday, Feb. 2, 2007 |
PINELLAS COUNTY - Emergency workers rushed to central Florida on Friday to offer disaster relief in the aftermath of early morning thunderstorms and a possible tornado.
According to reports from the Associated Press, at least 19 people died in what was described as "the deadliest combination of thunderstorms and tornadoes to hit Florida in nearly a decade."
Hundreds of homes were destroyed in a 40-mile area across four counties, reports said.
Gov. Charlie Crist declared a state of emergency for the counties of Lake, Seminole, Sumter and Volusia due to "substantial damage to hundreds of residential and commercial properties, power outages to more than 20,000 homes and businesses and the closure of I-4 in both directions due to two semi-trailers turning on their sides from extreme winds."
Volunteer Florida said first responders focused efforts on search and rescue and requested that citizens stay out of the area until authorized by local officials. Only volunteers that are trained and deployed by experienced disaster relief organizations are asked to respond.
Many dangers exist for volunteers who are not specially trained and deployed by experienced disaster relief organizations, such as The Salvation Army or the American Red Cross, Serious injury can result for anyone dealing with the aftermath of a major disaster, so it's wise to be overly cautious, officials said.
"While the urge to provide immediate assistance in disaster areas is understandable, safety has to come first," said Volunteer Florida CEO Wendy Spencer. "Until conditions on the ground are deemed safe, a financial gift to the relief organization of your choice is the very best way to assist in the immediate aftermath of these devastating tornadoes."
Financial contributions allow relief organizations to respond with maximum speed and flexibility to meet the needs of survivors. In addition, money spent in or near affected areas helps to restore local economies after disaster strikes.
A list of relief organizations that need financial support can be found at www.volunteerfloridadisaster.org.
Officials said that opportunities to volunteer might be available in the coming days. Potential volunteers can visit the Volunteer Florida's Disaster Response and Recovery Web site or call the Volunteers and Donations Hotline at 1-800-FL-HELP1 (1-800-354-3571).
The Florida Emergency Information Line is active. The 24-hour hotline provides residents up-to-date information. The toll-free number is 1-800-342-3557. Hearing impaired persons may call the Florida Telecommunications Relay at 1-800-226-4329 to receive information and access TDD systems. Emergency information can also be obtained by visiting www.FloridaDisaster.org.
"Historically the stronger and more dangerous tornadoes occur in February, March, and April. The four deadliest springtime tornado outbreaks in Florida history have occurred in this time frame," according to tornado information at www.floridadisaster.org.
The deadliest northeast Florida tornado struck a turpentine plant on March 30 1939, killing four workers. The deadliest northwest Florida tornado struck near Milton on March 31 1962, killing 17 people. The deadliest central Florida tornado outbreak occurred on Feb. 22-23, 1998 and produced four mesocyclones that spawned seven tornadoes. Forty- two people were killed in Volusia, Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties. The deadliest south Florida tornado struck Miami on April 5 1925, killing five people.
Florida tornadoes often occur after midnight when people are asleep. Officials recommend that people use a NOAA Weather Radio with the tone alert feature, which will allow them to receive warnings issued by the National Weather Service at all times.
When the NWS issues a tornado warning or a tornado is seen, people are advised to take cover immediately. Find a small room on the lowest floor of a strong building and stay away from doors and windows. Don't try to outrun a tornado in a car. If you see a tornado approaching while in a car, abandon the vehicle and take cover in a nearby strong building or lie down in a ditch or culvert on the side of road.
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Article published on Friday, Feb. 2, 2007
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