Post Storm Update #4

Posted 04/14/21

A message from EPHOA President, Misti Steed

Eagle Point looks considerably better because of the Herculean efforts of our County crews - we owe them a debt of thanks. Any future debris pickups by Shelby County should be considered a happy surprise. They are now allocating resources to other areas that have storm damage. CONTRARY TO WHAT SOME FOLKS TELL ME THEY HAVE HEARD, EPHOA DOES NOT DIRECT THE EFFORTS OF SHELBY COUNTY RESOURCES.

If County crews make their way back to Eagle Point, they will only pick up trees, wooden fences, and other natural organic items that can be burned. Our contacts at Shelby County will keep us updated regarding the possibility of future pickups, and we will pass along information as it comes to us.

Household debris such as furniture, appliances, and mattresses cannot be burned and must be hauled to the landfill by the homeowner or by whatever service provider a homeowner employs. Shelby County will not pick up these materials, and removal is the responsibility of the homeowner. We recommend that you contact your insurance company to see if your policy covers debris removal.

We have not as of yet qualified for Federal aid for uninsured losses. When and if our area does qualify for that aid, FEMA doesn’t roll in with cranes and bulldozers and such. Folks don’t need to be thinking that there’s a big “extreme home-like” team that will show up when (hopefully) we become a Federal disaster area. Approval for Federal aid from storms on January 25th only happened in last couple weeks.

Contacts I’ve made who specialize in disaster relief have given me overwhelmingly positive feedback on the progress we have made so far. After the rescue and recovery on the day of the storm, we were quickly an area considered safe, sanitary, and secure with working utilities. Thanks to our community - neighbors, strangers, churches, and other volunteers - Eagle Point was covered in volunteers for days following the storm! With the County’s help with debris removal, we have moved along more quickly than other areas affected by the tornadoes that same day.

My mind and my emotions are overwhelmed daily when I try to connect residents to resources and to relay information from person to person. That’s why I share the positive feedback from people who are trained in disaster recovery - so I can keep going when I feel helpless in the face of so much loss. Your volunteer Board members and our management agency, none of whom have any experience with this kind of thing, are all working every day to get Eagle Point back to normal as soon as we can get there. I ask for your patience and support for us as we continue to work on your behalf.

Post Storm Update #4

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