Title

Extension Answers the Call

Relevance

On January 12, 2023, the National Weather Service confirmed at least four tornadoes had touched down in Spalding County. The strongest of these was an EF3 tornado, which traveled about 32 miles on the ground, through the center of downtown Griffin, at speeds exceeding 140 mph. This resulted in thousands of downed trees, broken power lines, and over 2,200 homes and businesses damaged or destroyed across the county.

Response

The Spalding County Emergency Management Agency tasked Spalding County Extension staff with establishing a call center that would organize relief efforts by connecting residents seeking assistance to the appropriate relief organizations, directing donated goods and services to areas of need across the county, and coordinating and training any volunteer personnel that would operate the call center over the coming weeks. The Tornado Relief Hotline was operated by the Extension 4-H agent and the agricultural agent Monday-Saturday from 9:00-6:00. Shifts of 2-4 volunteers rotated every five hours. An information board was created and updated in real time as residents’ needs changed, and as donation centers, aid stations, and housing shelters opened. Areas cleared of damage and debris were also noted in the spreadsheet and later entered via an online program that allowed recovery crews to update progress instantly. Collaborators included the Spalding EMA, Spalding County Senior Center, American Red Cross, the Salvation Army of Griffin, Team Rubicon, Samaritan’s Purse Ministries, City of Griffin Stormwater Department, Georgia Department of Human Services, and countless independent contractors from across the state that volunteered their time, staff, and equipment.

Results

The hotline logged over 1,500 calls from affected residents and eager volunteers over an 8-week period, from January to March. The most common requests received at the hotline were for tree/debris removal, delivery of food, supplies, and medicine, as well as shelter and transportation assistance. Extension staff also lead teams of volunteers through neighborhood streets clearing limbs and debris, delivering meals and supplies, and unclogging storm drains to avoid flooding. Volunteer cleanup teams met four times, led by the Extension agent. A group of eight volunteers cleared 16 streets with a total of 34 volunteer hours.

Public Value Statement

When tornadoes hit Spalding County, the Extension Service set up a hotline to direct emergency crews to those in need.

Primary Focus Area

Youth, Family, & Communities

Secondary Focus Area

None Selected

Impact Statement