Supervisors issue emergency declaration

By By Lynette Wilson / staff writer
Dec. 21, 2002
Lauderdale County will be able to use equipment and crews on private property after supervisors issued an emergency declaration following a tornado that struck southern parts of the county.
Supervisors issued the declaration in a meeting Friday. The tornado destroyed five homes and damaged another 20 when it struck a three-mile path through the county during severe weather Thursday.
County Administrator Rex Hiatt said that besides using equipment and crews, the emergency declaration also allows the county to skip the bid process if it needs supplies and equipment, such as shovels, axes or other small items.
Neal Carson, Lauderdale County engineer, said the cleanup began after the storm cleared Thursday. He said it continued on Friday and will resume on Monday.
He said all the major debris has been removed from roads.
Clarence Butler, director of the Lauderdale Emergency Management Agency, said that the tornado destroyed one home, four mobile homes, a barn and 14 storage sheds.
Butler said one man suffered slight injuries, was treated and released from Rush Foundation Hospital.
Lauderdale County supervisors will re-evaluate the situation at their regular meeting Jan. 6 to determine if the emergency declaration needs to be extended.