Summary of Tornado Donations and Expenses

5/9/2011

DONATIONS
Donations from Businesses - 94 $152,952.69
Donations from Individuals - 471 76,330.65
Donations from Religious Organizations - 17 5,087.81 
Gift Cards & Gift Certificates 47 1,780.00
Total Donations 629 $236,151.15

EXPENSES

Electrical Assistance $ 798.14
Rent 2,500.00
Lodging 2,024.40 
Medical 146.50
Subtotal Human Services Expenses $ 5,469.04
Agricultural Supplies $ 140.00 
Building Materials & Supplies 19,79846
Subtotal Materials & Supplies 19,938.46
Total Donations Used $ 25,407.50
Unspent Tornado Donations $210,743.65

Additional Information:
We have received donations from a total of 16 States and 104 town/cities in Virginia.

Pulaski Tornado Relief Fund and Volunteer Efforts

CONTACT: Robert Hiss 540-980-7705
Assistant County Administrator 540-440-0094
rhiss@pulaskicounty.org

Pulaski Tornado Relief Fund and Volunteer Efforts

The County and Town have established a committee to manage monetary donations received by the Pulaski Tornado Relief Fund. This committee meets on a weekly basis and is comprised of local elected officials, county and DSS staff, the ministerial association, and other appointed stakeholders.

To date, the Fund has received $236,151.15 in monetary donations with a total of $25,407.50 being spent. The Tornado Fund currently has two categories of expenses: 1) short-term lodging and vital needs as processed by Social Services and 2) materials and supplies to repair damaged homes that are uninsured and can reasonably be repaired for continued habitation. The more volunteers present who can assist in making repairs, the quicker these funds can be expended on building supplies. If funds are available, those who are under-insured will be considered as a second phase of the repair efforts. The money donated to the Fund is NOT being used for any administrative overhead, but rather is being used to directly help those impacted by the tornados.

The Volunteer Resource Center is managing multiple teams of workers in the affected neighborhoods. Based on various damage assessments and surveys, 55 homes are currently targeted as eligible for assistance through the Tornado Relief Fund. To date, repairs to 8 homes are complete and 10 are in process. Repairs typically consist of roof shingles, windows, siding, and chimneys. The goal of these repairs is to prevent the homes from suffering further interior damage due to weather. If anyone has not been contacted or surveyed, they can call 540-994-2602 so an evaluation can be conducted.

There is still a crucial need for volunteer labor. Most importantly, there is a need for people who have basic contracting experience in such trades as roof repairs, masonry, carpentry, and window replacement. There is still some work that can be done by unskilled workers in terms of debris removal from homes and properties. Those interested in assisting may contact 540-994-2602 or visit http://www.pulaskitornado.info

If requested, the county and town will continue to work with the State to appeal the FEMA funding decision. Also, our localities are diligently working on the recently awarded $25,000 planning grant through the Virginia’s Department of Housing and Community Development to assess the long term housing needs. It is anticipated to apply for an approximate $1 million grant once the detailed assessments are complete which will be used to assist in the rebuilding efforts.

Veterinary Services available for Tornado victims

CONTACT: Robert Hiss 540-980-7705
Assistant County Administrator 540-440-0094
rhiss@pulaskicounty.org

Who: Virginia Tech Veterinary School veterinarians and students
What: Providing general preventive animal health and welfare counseling for pets affected by the tornado as well as general nutritional recommendations and high quality dog and cat food from Purina and Hill’s Science Diet *limit 2 bags of food per household*
When: Saturday, May 7 10am-1pm
Where: New Life Church of the Nazarene
Why: The veterinary community wants to help you and your pets

Virginia Tech Veterinary School coming to support pets of the Pulaski Tornado on Saturday, May 7

Veterinarians and veterinary students from the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine in association with the Center for Animal-Human Relationships (CENTAUR) have been working hard these past few weeks to gather donations and funds for the relief effort. They have collected almost 100 bags of high quality, veterinary approved dog and cat food in addition to various other useful pet products. They will be coming to the New Life Church of the Nazarene on donation distribution day this Saturday, May 7, from 10am-1pm to provide general counseling on your pet’s health and welfare needs, including ways to decrease stress in disaster situations and recommendations for diets for your pets. They will be providing various sizes of bags of dog and cat food to those in need. Products will be distributed on a first come, first serve basis. While this team may provide general advice and recommendations, they are not permitted to examine animals nor are responsible to give specific veterinary assessments and treatments, as these specific needs are to be provided by your local veterinarian.

This event is possible through the generous support, donations, and monetary support from Nestle-Purina Pet Food, Hill’s Science Diet, Student Chapter of the American Veterinary Medical Association (SCAVMA), and the Companion Animal Club.

Spot Report #8

Virginia Department of Emergency Management
Virginia Emergency Operations Center
Pulaski Severe Weather
29 April 2011 1700

Summary: The National Weather Service in Blacksburg confirmed two tornadoes impacted the Town of Pulaski (EF 2: estimated winds 125mph at 1933) and Draper area (EF 1: estimated winds 110mph at 1937) in Pulaski County on 8 April. Governor Bob McDonnell declared a state of emergency on Saturday, 9 April 2011, authorizing state agencies to assist local efforts in responding to the impact of the tornadoes.

Governor McDonnell submitted a request on 18 April to President Obama through FEMA Region III for Individual Assistance Program funding for homeowners and renters in the form of low-interest loans and grants as well as disaster housing assistance. In addition, the governor requested Hazard Mitigation Assistance for all Virginia localities.

Governor McDonnell approved up to $679,050 in state disaster assistance to the county and town governments of Pulaski to assist in their recovery from the 8 April tornadoes that impacted the community. $468,545 is available for reimbursement of local government expenses and up to an additional $210,505 is available to address any cash flow issues for the localities, to be repaid if utilized. The governor approved the assistance from the Commonwealth Emergency Relief for Localities Program. The program provides state disaster assistance to eligible localities for disaster related costs, such as debris clearance, first responder overtime and shelter operations, when federal disaster assistance is not available. Despite the amount of damage caused by the tornadoes, state and local government costs were not enough to qualify for federal disaster assistance. Governor McDonnell requested federal disaster assistance for individuals on April 18. A response to Virginia’s request has not yet been received.
EOC Activation
•
VEOC supporting Recovery Operations in Pulaski County
•
VEOC at Response Operations with additional staffing coordinating response operations related to the severe weather events that impacted the Commonwealth on 27 April
Protective Actions
Local Emergencies Declared (1):
•
Pulaski County at 2037 hours on 8 April 2011
ESF 5 – Emergency Management
VDEM:
•
Next Spot Report will be issued when there is a significant change or new information becomes available
ESF 17 – Volunteers and Donations
VAVOAD:
•
Volunteer Coordinator still assisting local emergency management
•
Volunteer teams making repairs on houses; strategy is to work on minor damaged houses initially while plans and funds are arranged for houses with more extensive damage
Prepared by: Mike Gray
Authority of Michael Cline, State Coordinator
Approved by: Michael Nelson, VERT Coordinator

News Release: Governor McDonnell Approves Disaster Aid for Local Government Expenses for Pulaski Tornadoes

Commonwealth of Virginia
Office of Governor Bob McDonnell

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 28, 2011

Contact: Jeff Caldwell
Phone: (804) 225-4260
E-mail: Jeff.Caldwell@Governor.Virginia.Gov

Governor McDonnell Approves Disaster Aid for Local Government Expenses for Pulaski Tornadoes
Virginia Still Awaiting Word on Federal Disaster Assistance for Individuals

RICHMOND – Governor Bob McDonnell today approved up to $679,050 in state disaster assistance to the county and town governments of Pulaski to assist in their recovery from the April 8th tornadoes that struck the community. Of this amount, up to $468,545 is available for reimbursement of local government expenses, while up to an additional $210,505 is available to address any cash flow issues for the localities, to be repaid if utilized.

The governor approved the assistance from the Commonwealth Emergency Relief for Localities Program. The program provides state disaster assistance to eligible localities for disaster related costs, such as debris clearance, first responder overtime and shelter operations, when federal disaster assistance is not available.

Despite the amount of damage caused by the tornadoes, state and local government costs were not enough to qualify for federal disaster assistance. Governor McDonnell requested federal disaster assistance for individuals on April 18. A response to Virginia’s request has not yet been received.

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Pulaski Updates and helpful information

Below is some helpful information regarding insurance issues. Also, attached is a notice regarding a construction material donation drop site at the Wytheville Lowe’s and our initial llist of needed construction materials and supplies. People can also make donations directly by delivering these items to the Maple Shade shopping center at 81 Commerce Street (as space permits).

The Virgnia Bureau of Insurance will gladly provide assistance to any consumers who are having problems with their insurance companies in connection with their recent storm damage claims. The Bureau may be contacted through its toll-free telephone number at 1-877-310-6560. Consumers may also reach the Consumer Services Section of the Bureau’s Property and Casualty Division by calling (804) 371-9185. Consumers who are hearing or speech impaired may call through the SCC?s Telecommunications Device for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (TDD) at (804) 371-9206.

In addition, written correspondence from consumers can be mailed to the Bureau at P.O. Box 1157, Richmond, Virginia 23218. The SCC is located at 1300 East Main Street in downtown Richmond. Normal business hours are from 8:15 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Bureau may also be contacted electronically at BureauofInsurance@scc.virginia.gov or by fax at (804) 371-9349.
The Bureau also has consumer guides which offer tips on what to do when a disaster strikes. One guide is for homeowners and the other is for businesses. Both provide answers to the most commonly asked questions about settling disaster-related insurance problems. These guides are available on the Bureau”s website at www.scc.virginia.gov/boi/pubs.aspx.

Robert Hiss
Assistant County Administrator

________________________________________________________________________________
Quantity Material Comments
Shingles (3 Tab, color)
Felt paper and button caps
Roofing nails (loose and coil with gun)
Ice/water shield
Flashing
Roof cement
Roofing tin (5v crimp) and screws
Plywood – exterior
Guttering/downspouts
Mortar
Block (8, 10, 12)
Underpinning
2x4 ( regular treated )
2x6 ( regular treated )
2x8 ( regular treated )
2x10 ( regular treated )
OSB – interior
OSB – exterior
Drywall
Drywall tape, joint compound
Drywall nails, screws
Exterior Insulation board
Nails (8p, 10p, 16p…)
Caulk (indoor/outdoor, color?)
Siding (type, color?)
Roll insulation (R- 13 18 19 30 )
Concrete (Sacrete)
Trash collection (bags, etc.)

________________________________________________________________________________

LAZER SPOT

Pulaski County Tornado Victim Relief Assistance

Lazer Spot Inc. is working in conjunction with Lowes of Wytheville, Va. to collect donations to help the families in need due to the tornado’s that damaged and destroyed many homes on April 8, 2011.

An eighteen wheeler will be set up in front of the Wytheville Lowes store on Friday April 22, 2011 and Saturday April 23, 2011 from eight o’clock am to eight o’clock pm on both days.

The families and volunteers are in major need of building supplies such as lumber, nails, shingles, roofing paper ect. Even gift cards or money donations are great for getting them what they need. Any and all donations will be accepted. If you have anything lying around that you feel the people of Pulaski can use, please feel free to drop it off.

We are hoping to fill an entire trailer load of donations that will help get them back on the right track

The items collected will be delivered at the beginning of the following week.
Thank You,
T
erry Cregger | Gatorade VA Site Manager | tcregger@lazerspot.com
Office 276-228-2272 | Fax 276-228-2272 | Cell 276-724-0409
2752 Peppers Ferry Rd., Wytheville, VA 24323
www.lazerspot.com

News Release: Governor McDonnell Requests Federal Disaster Assistance in Wake of Pulaski County Tornadoes

Commonwealth of Virginia
Office of Governor Bob McDonnell

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 18, 2011

Office of the Governor
Contact: Jeff Caldwell
Phone: 804-225-4260
E-mail: mailto:Jeff.Caldwell@Governor.Virginia.Gov

Virginia Department of Emergency Management
Contact: Bob Spieldenner
Phone: 804-484-4201
E-mail: mailto:Bob.Spieldenner@vdem.virginia.gov

Governor McDonnell Requests Federal Disaster Assistance in Wake of Pulaski County Tornadoes

RICHMOND – Governor Bob McDonnell announced today that those affected by the severe storms that struck Virginia on April 8 and April 16 will be granted a 30-day extension for filing returns and making payments on their state taxes.

This extension will apply to taxpayers located in the cities of Charlottesville and Waynesboro, and in the following counties: Albemarle, Augusta, Bath, Carroll, Dinwiddie, Gloucester, Halifax, Isle of Wight, James City, Lunenburg, Middlesex, Pulaski, Page, Rockbridge, Shenandoah, Surry, and Warren. Taxpayers outside of these areas who sustained severe damage from the storms may also request an extension.

If the Governor declares any additional localities as disaster areas, they will also qualify for this tax relief. Check the Tax Department’s website at www.tax.virginia.gov for updates.

To qualify for this special filing extension, taxpayers must be unable to meet their filing obligations because the financial books and records they need to file their taxes are located in the affected areas or are otherwise unavailable because of severe storm damage.

Individuals and businesses in these areas automatically get 30 additional days to file all returns and make all tax payments that had a due date, or an extended due date, on or after April 16, 2011, and on or before May 2, 2011. These include Sales and Use Tax returns, Withholding Tax returns, Income Tax returns, and estimated tax payments. This extension does not apply to federal taxes, the filing deadline for which was yesterday.

To receive the special filing extension, taxpayers affected by the severe storm damage should write “Severe Storm Relief” at the top of their paper returns. The Virginia Department of Taxation will abate interest and any late-filing or late-payment penalties that would otherwise apply.

Taxpayers with additional questions should contact Tax at (804) 367-8031 for individual income tax questions or (804) 367-8037 for business tax questions.

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Pulaski Update

All,

A couple of items worth noting for today:

1. The Disaster Resource Center that has been located in Central Gym will close at 5 pm today and cease operations. Residents are encouraged to call 211 for a complete list of community resources. For those who need information or referrals about programs offered by the Department of Social Services, residents can call 980-7995.

2. Virginia Baptist Missions Board has established a laundry facility in the parking lot behind the Maple Shade shopping center and next to the New Life Church of the Nazarene.

3. We have discontinued the entry permit process for contractors or others wanting to reach the affected neighborhoods. Residents should be advised to do their due diligence when working with contractors. Ask to see their Virginia contractors license, their business license, ask for references, avoid advance cash payments, and request a written contract for any work performed. If residents have any questions about building permits or contractors they can call the Town of Pulaski at 994-TOWN or the County building office at 980-7710.

4. Health Department will begin issuing free TDAP (tetanus, diptheria, and pertussis - whooping cough) vaccines on April 19th at both the Pulaski Health Department and in the affected neighborhoods for both the impacted residents and volunteers.

Thank you.

Robert Hiss
Pulaski County
Assistant County Administrator
143 3rd St, NW, Suite 1
Pulaski, VA 24301
540-980-7705
540-980-7717 fax