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April 17, 2018 - 4:46 p.m.

**Important information to those affected by the March 19 tornado in Jacksonville, Alabama:

The following status and information will be updated as the recovery process continues to develop. The information is subject to change at any time. Please share and continue to monitor the City’s Facebook account and Twitter accounts.

JACKSONVILLE RESPONSE FUND AND LONG-TERM RECOVERY

As the immediate response and initial recovery efforts end for the March 19th storms that hit Jacksonville and the surrounding communities, long term recovery begins. These efforts are organized by the Calhoun County Long Term Recovery Committee (LTRC), a collaborative committee made up of representatives from multiple community organizations, who are committed to the recovery process. The LTRC’s main goal is to re-establish a healthy, functioning community that will sustain itself over time.

The work of the LTRC is intended to address “unmet needs.” Unmet needs are considered to be the needs of storm survivors not addressed through insurance or government assistance programs. These needs may involve supplemental financial assistance, the construction of homes where a total loss has occurred, labor to help clear and restore property, and other work performed for private individuals or families on private property.

It is important to know that this work can only go as far as the available funds will allow. There is an official Long Term Recovery Fund established through the Community Foundation of Northeast Alabama, called the “Jacksonville Disaster Response Fund.” Please note that 100% of the funds donated will go toward the long term recovery efforts.

You can donate online by clicking the following link:
https://cfnea.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create?funit_id=1268.

Checks may also be mailed to:
Community Foundation of Northeast Alabama
Jacksonville Disaster Response Fund
1130 Quintard Ave, Suite 100
Anniston, AL 36201
Please denote “Jacksonville Disaster Response Fund” in the memo line.

211

Victims are encouraged to dial 211 for non-emergencies.

Jacksonville State University Calhoun County EMA United Way of East Central Alabama

JACKSONVILLE, ALABAMA TORNADO INCIDENT WEDNESDAY EVENING UPDATE

Jacksonville, AL – On Monday, March 19, the City of Jacksonville, Alabama was struck by a dangerous storm system which, according to the National Weather Service, included at least one EF-3 tornado with 140 mph winds and large hail. The tornado left a trail of considerable damage to the city’s infrastructure, roadways, residential households, and the Jacksonville State University campus.

Immediately following the outbreak, the City's emergency responders along with neighboring and state-wide emergency agencies, focused its efforts on search and rescue. Now, less than 48 hours after the tornado ripped through the Jacksonville community, the City has shifted focus to recovery efforts.

The City of Jacksonville is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of its residents, businesses, and visitors and is calling on you to help communicate the following information to those affected by the tornado:

Curfew

The City of Jacksonville has implemented a mandatory 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. curfew north of Mountain St. to protect life and property. The curfew will be in effect until further notice. There will be zero tolerance for sightseers.

Shelter

The American Red Cross is providing shelter at Eagle Point Church located at 301 Henry Rd SW, Jacksonville, AL 36265. Food, water, beds, and showers are available to those in need at the shelter.

Barricades

The Jacksonville Police Department has placed barricades on certain roadways throughout the City. The barricades are for residents’ protection and are NOT to be moved or dodged.

Outdoor burning

Until further notice, the City of Jacksonville Fire Department asks residents, volunteers, and others to avoid ALL outside burning.

Debris

All debris must be placed off the roadways. Make a separate pile for vegetative debris, construction debris, and appliances debris. Garbage bins are for household garbage only, and one must refrain from putting non-recyclable items in the recycling bins. These items will be picked up as soon as possible. If residential households need new trash bins, please call 256-435-7611.

Power outage

At this time, 2,076 Alabama Power area customers are without power. Additional power personnel will arrive tomorrow (Thursday, March 22.) The power crews will continue to work through the night and early morning. Residents may see tree removal trucks removing debris and clearing way for the pole trucks. Please help these crews by not placing debris in the areas that have been cleared for new or repaired poles.

Volunteers

At this time, volunteer work is scheduled to resume on Friday, March 23. In order to volunteer, one will need to check in, register, and get vetted at the Jacksonville Community Center (501A Alexandria Rd SW, Jacksonville, AL 36265.) Volunteers will not be allowed to enter the affected areas without credentials obtained at the community center. Volunteers are encouraged to wear durable clothing and safety gear, along with sunscreen and bug spray. Volunteers are welcome, but not required, to bring personal tools for the recovery and clean-up efforts. Contractors are required to bring their business licenses and proof ID.

To save time, volunteers are encouraged to download and fill out the Disaster Volunteer Registration Form before checking in at the community center. The form can be found at the following link:http://www.calhounema.org/sites/default/files/uploads/Calhoun%20County%20Disaster%20Volunteer%20Forms.pdf

Donations

The City requests that donations are delivered to the First United Methodist Church, located behind McDonald’s (109 Gayle Ave SW, Jacksonville, AL 36265). We encourage those who would like to do something to help to please make a monetary donation via the Community Foundation of Northeast Alabama's Disaster Response Fund. Your donation will go 100% toward disaster recovery. You can donate here: https://t.co/lYz30BP1hX. One can also donate directly to the Jacksonville State University Foundation by using the following link:
https://app.mobilecause.com/vf/JSUSTRONG or by texting JSUSTRONG to 7177. The City asks the public to avoid donating to unverified gofundme accounts. All donations made to the abovementioned destinations will go towards the tornado recovery efforts.

211

211 is on scene to help any affected by the tornado. If in need of help, one can contact 211 by dialing 211 (or 1-888-421-1266) or reaching out to their personnel set up under the United Way tent at the RV camp next to the JSU Meehan Hall starting tomorrow (Thursday, March 22) between 12:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. For now, 211 will remain on site through Sunday. Their tent will be staffed from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. A Public Health Social Worker from the Alabama Department of Public Health will be present at the First United Methodist Church to aid those with social/emotional needs.

Social Media
The City of Jacksonville will continue to update its social media accounts with as much information as possible. The City asks you to monitor its Facebook and Twitter accounts and use the following hashtags when posting your current status/story:

Jacksonville State University Calhoun County EMA United Way of East Central Alabama

Thinking of pursuing a career in the skilled trades? America needs skilled workers, and Alabama is no exception. That’s why there are classes forming now to help train skilled workers in our state.

Educators: Nominate Your Students for Go Build's Student of the Month Scholarship Every month, Go Build recognizes and rewards a bright young student that shows aptitude in the skilled trades.

We are rooted in education and believe everyone can achieve success with opportunity. With our good faith in Alabama’s contribution to the future, Alabama Teachers Credit Union
is accepting applications for our Collegiate Scholarship.

Apply beginning January 1, 2018.
Three (3) $3,000 scholarships will be awarded to deserving college undergraduates.

Submission deadline is April 13, 2018. Winners will be notified by April 27, 2018.

Visit https://www.atcu.com/about-us/scholarship-program.html for an application, helpful requirement checklist and official rules.

Alabama native wins prestigious Schwarzman Scholarship Kevin Ferguson II of Gadsden, an Alabama A&M University grad, is one of 200 worldwide chosen to study in China for a year.

We are rooted in education and believe everyone can achieve success with opportunity. With our good faith in Alabama’s contribution to the future, Alabama Teachers Credit Union
is accepting applications for our Synced Senior Scholarship.

Apply beginning January 1, 2018.
Four (4) $3,000 scholarships will be awarded to deserving high school seniors.

Submission deadline is April 13, 2018. Winners will be notified by April 27, 2018.

Visit https://www.atcu.com/about-us/scholarship-program.html for an application, helpful requirement checklist and official rules.

Career tech students! If you attend one of these schools, don't forget that your Academy of Craft Training scholarship applications are due one week from today! Visit their website for more information, then contact your counselor to work on your application: academyofcrafttraining.org