Tornadoes Leave Strife Disaster Relief Center Aims To Lessen

Greater Brandon residents impacted by the severe storms of March 31 don’t have far to travel to avail themselves of post-storm aid.

Hillsborough County government officials have opened a “one-stop disaster recovery center” in Progress Village, an area particularly hard hit by storm and tornado activity.

Indeed, Brandon Patch reported on  off Bloomingdale Avenue, in a Riverview community off Watson Road, just one block west of Brandon. Also, on four people’s  in a torando-stricken mobile home in Progress Village.

Bloomingdale Avenue turns into Progress Boulevard after the intersection with U.S. Highway 301.

The recovery center opened April 5 at the Progress Village Recreation Center, 8701 Progress Blvd. Assistance available is in the form of temporary housing and food vouchers and incidentals, including such things as cleaning supplies.

Also available is information concerning ways for residents to avail themselves of consumer protection and homeowner rehabilitation services as well as assistance in filing insurance claims.

Residents will be able to apply for many different services at the same time at his “one-stop shop” location. Eligibility for each service will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

For information, call: (813) 272-5900.

Meanwhile, the Tampa Bay chapter of the American Red Cross issued a report on its response to the March 31 tornadoes. According to the Red Cross report, released April 7:

• Nine tornadoes spawned across Central Florida, including the Tampa Bay area.

• Twelve counties were affected.

• Nearly 140 Red Cross volunteers and staff “used their training to turn heartbreak into hope,” providing food and shelter to residents and first responders and working with emergency management officials to help assess damages.

• “More than 300 homes were affected by the fast-moving line of thunderstorms that brought fierce lightning, heavy rains and hail, power outages, flooding and, worst of all, nine tornadoes.”

• Nineteen homes were destroyed; 81 homes suffered major damages.

• Red Cross volunteers opened 68 cases to provide 163 people with “a safe place to stay, food, clothes or whatever services were necessary to care for their immediate needs.”

• “Mass Care” volunteers served nearly 2,000 meals and 2,246 snacks.

• Red Cross representatives in "emergency response vehicles canvassed affected neighborhoods dispensing hundreds of bottles of water to first responders, clean-up crews and homeowners clearing debris.”

According to the American Red Cross, tornadoes can occur anytime throughout the year but are most prevalent March through May, with a major peak in mid-April. Hurricane season begins June 1. The Red Cross provides online tips for tornado safety and weather preparedness.

Donations are accepted online to support American Red Cross Disaster Relief, which includes such things as shelter, food and emotional support. Donors also can call 1-800-REDCROSS.

RELATED COVERAGE:

•  (tornadoes and thunderstorms)