Nashville Flood

Lori Lenz ^ | 5-4-10 | Lori Lenz

[mlizzy]

There’s been a lot of murmuring around Nashville, complaints that the national media had forgotten about us. Maybe they thought the flood was exaggerated. Maybe they just had other things to think about. Maybe they just think all there is to Tennessee is the Grand Old Opry -- and Deliverance.

What maybe they don’t know is that Tennessee isn’t really prone to exaggeration. We aren’t a region that overly boasts. But we are the home to some of the best music, the best hospitals, the best food, and the best landscape our country can offer. We love slow food, slow evenings of wine and conversation, and a fast game of hockey or football. Our economy isn’t bad, we don’t pay income tax and everyone is generally in a good mood, most of the time.

So I was thinking…what’s different? Why aren’t we getting the media attention like other cities have?

And I realized it.

We love. We work. We clean up. We rebuild.

We aren’t looting.

We aren’t taking advantage.

We aren’t throwing rocks at police.

We are helping our neighbors, because that’s what neighbors do. We’re hearing stories of hope, of restoration, of mercy.

And if it requires our city to take on an uncivilized, selfish face to get the media’s attention, then forget it.

There is a sign on a church in East Nashville that says something like “God wasn’t in the tornado, God is in the response,” in reference to the tornado that tore through our neighborhood in 1998. This isn’t any different.

And after our neighbors are back in their homes, the music is back at the Opry and the Symphony Center and the Titans are back running on their field, we will know that our city is a stronger, safer more beautiful place, simply because the people love, and love well.

[mlizzy]

How is the area doing now where you were hit, Gail?

[GailA]

Scenic Hills sub division took a little water, but only a very few homes effected. We are a burb of Memphis. Mid Town Memphis had flash flooding when a pumping station went down.

MILLINGTON took the brunt of the flooding. BTW Ophelia Ford represents parts of Millington...MIA, just like the governor.

From Sen. Mark Norris.

How to apply for disaster assistance:

Apply online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov

Call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362)

When you apply you will be asked for the following information:

The address of your damaged home or apartment
Names of people living in your household
A description of your disaster damages
Insurance information
Your Social Security Number
A telephone number where you can be reached or left a message

An address where you can get mail
If you want your disaster assistance funds sent directly to your bank, provide the FEMA agent:
Your bank account type
Account number
Routing number

If you are filing for both home and business disaster assistance, you will complete a single registration for the combined losses.

The application process will take 18 - 20 minutes and is authorized by the Office of Management and Budget under Control number 1660-0002.

For technical problems with this site, please contact FEMA’s Technical Helpdesk at 1-800-745-0243 or (TTY) 1-800-462-7585 for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.

The toll-free number will operate from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. (local time) seven days a week until further notice.
**When you apply for assistance you will be given a FEMA application number. Write down your application number and save it for future reference. You will need the application number whenever you contact FEMA.

Legitimate FEMA representatives set up appointments with flood victims before showing up to homes, and have personal data related to the homeowner – such as Social Security and FEMA-specific disaster applicant ID numbers that the agency will use to track victims’ cases.

Treat with suspicion anyone claiming to be with the agency who shows up unannounced. People claiming to be with FEMA who show up unannounced to the homes of residents without their case information are likely fraud artists. FEMA recommends you call the police, should that occur.

DONATION HOTLINE FOR TENNESSEE FLOOD DISASTER OPEN

The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) has activated the Tennessee Emergency Donations Hotline to accept contributions to support state flood victims.
As of Friday, May 7, the Hotline is also taking calls from people who need volunteer help. Anyone who needs the assistance of volunteers for help cleaning homes, etc., may call the Hotline. The toll free number is (866) 586-4483, and the hotline is staffed from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. CDT daily.

PUBLIC SAFETY/ASSISTANCE

Tetanus boosters are recommended for people who have not had one in the last 10 years, and who are involved in cleanup efforts and coming in contact with floodwater. If you receive a puncture wound or wound gets contaminated, consult a doctor or local health department to determine if a tetanus booster is needed, based on individual records.

Residents should watch for moisture in their homes, which can develop into mold. And, residents who have lost power should throw away any food they suspect of spoiling.

FREE LEGAL ASSISTANCE FOR FLOOD VICTIMS
Victims may call 888-395-9297 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Messages can be left at all hours. Callers should identify that they are seeking flood-related legal help. Victims who qualify will be matched with lawyers who have volunteered to provide free legal aid.

HOUSING INFORMATION FROM THE TENNESSEE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT AGENCY

Flood Housing Assistance.pdf

DISASTER ASSISTANCE FROM THE SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
http://www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance/
SERV_APPLY_FOR_A_DISASTER_LOAN.html

INFORMATION FROM THE TENNESSEE ATTORNEY GENERAL
The office of the Attorney General has issued a number of public statements this week warning about price gouging and other potential frauds that often accompany natural disasters. Below is a link to a special site on our public web page to educate citizens on how to deal with this emergency and to direct them to sources of help.

http://www.tn.gov/attorneygeneral/cpro/flood.htm

[bjcintennessee]

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