Support following tornado is appreciated, but there is much work ahead
The darkest day in the history of Franklin County occurred Wednesday when a tornado ripped through the county, leaving 26 dead, hundreds injured and property damage that could total into the millions.
The Franklin County Times would like to extend its condolences to those who are affected by this tragic event.
Communities throughout the eastern half of the county have weeks of hard work ahead as residents attempt to clean up the destruction and rebuild their lives.
The outpouring of support for Phil Campbell and the surrounding areas has been the lone bright spot for residents in those communities since Wednesday.
There are several ways to help the victims of this unfortunate event. Donations of clothes, non-perishable food items, personal hygiene items and medical supplies can be dropped off at several locations throughout the county.
For those wishing to assist with clean-up efforts, contact the Phil Campbell Fire Department and bring chainsaws, fuel and supplies. Be sure to wear appropriate clothing.
The Franklin County Times encourages everyone to continue to offer help, support and any supplies they can provide to these communities in their time of need.
It could take months for these communities to recover and years before they heal completely and any assistance they can receive now will be greatly appreciated.
Most of the support so far has come from individuals, but there have also been several businesses that have donated food to the rescue workers or supplies for the recovery effort.
The Franklin County Times would also like to extend our gratitude to all of the rescue workers who are still helping the victims, the EMTs who spent much of Wednesday night transporting the injured to hospitals throughout northwest Alabama and to the doctors who worked throughout the night to provide much-needed medical attention to area citizens.
The response of organizations from beyond the borders of Franklin County has been outstanding and appreciated.
This is not the first time Franklin County has offered a helping hand to disaster victims. In 2005 the county welcomed several families displaced from their homes due to the damage caused by Hurricane Katrina.
Once again it is time to help out and the early response is heart-warming.
While most people have been more than happy to help during this disaster, there are those whose intentions are not so pure. The Franklin County Times would like to discourage people who want to sightsee. The devastation is widespread and sightseers will only hinder recovery efforts.
If you plan on sightseeing, please put yourself in the victims’ position — would you want a bunch of people watching you if you were trying to sort through the rubble that was once your home?
Right now the residents of eastern Franklin County need those who are willing and able to help them, they do not need those who will interfere with progress.
