Congressman surveys damage, talks to victims

Published 12:31 pm Wednesday, January 25, 2017

THOMASVILLE — Georgia’s 8th District U.S. Congressman — solemnly and quietly — observed Thomas County damage left by a Sunday tornado and several severe thunderstorms.

At a U.S. 319 North site where two mobile homes and a shed were shredded by high wind. Frank Sadler told Congressman Austin Scott his nephew was blown from one of the mobile homes. The structure was split in half by strong wind. However, a satellite dish in the front yard near the mobile home was unscathed.

Looking at the scene, Scott said it is unbelievable the man blown from the demolished mobile home was not killed.

“He landed out in those bushes,” Sadler said, pointing to shrubbery behind the structure.

A man was blown from another nearby demolished mobile home.

At a tornado-damaged house on Clyde Griffin Road, headboards leaned against the exterior of the home as many workers tended to repairs.

Scott visited Shirley and Don Prevatt, Clyde Griffin Road residents, whose home received major damage.

The congressman said the amazing thing about the Prevatts is that when others are devastated by inclement weather, “they’ve been on the giving end.”

The Tifton Republican met with Thomas County commissioners and Chris Jones, Thomas County emergency management director, at the Jail-Justice Center after viewing damage.

Scott was in touch with the Trump administration Sunday as the weather continued to roar through the area. Everything possible is being done to expedite a presidential declaration for Thomas and other counties in the weather’s path, according to Scott. The congressman received a verbal commitment from the Trump White House that help would be forthcoming.

Scott told county officials to let him know what is needed. “Don’t make the assumption we know,” he added.

The congressman cautioned officials about placing storm debris that does not pass federal Environmental Protection Agency muster in the local landfill.

The community needs helps getting through debris-disposal red tape, Commissioner Mark NeSmith told Scott.

Ten of the 24 counties in Scott’s congressional district were impacted by the Sunday weather.

“We can’t fix it if we don’t know what’s wrong,” Scott said, reiterating that local officials should let him know about needs during the recovery process.

When asked about his thoughts as a congressman, while recognizing his responsibilities, Scott said he has compassion for those who lost loved ones and homes and has observed recovery activity that makes him proud.

He sees neighbors helping neighbors, volunteers working tirelessly in the recovery process and county lines disappear as emergency agencies help those in need.

Senior reporter Patti Dozier can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1820 

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Sonny’s Barbecue will be providing free food to storm victims Thursday from 3-6 p.m. at Factor Fitness.