SC-ERT-UMVIM Response to Bowman EF-1 Tornado – June 5, 2013
On Wednesday, June 5, 2013 SC United Methodist Volunteers In Mission’s Early Response Team (UMVIM – ERT) responded with three disaster response trailers and thirteen volunteers to the Ebenezer Road Area of Orangeburg County out of Bowman, SC near the Dorchester County line in the aftermath of an EF-1 Tornado that struck on the afternoon of June 4.
ERT Volunteers worked side by side with home owners and community volunteers in a wonderful caring effort to help the community clear debris from homes and establish access plus place tarps on damaged roofs to prevent further rain damage. They also rescued a vehicle that was completely covered with a tree and various debris and a rabbit whose cage was crushed under debris but emerged ok and was handed to a thankful family at 2826 Ebenezer Road.
A total of five homes had tarps placed on their roofs and made rainproof just before heavy rain downpours began. Three homes had major chainsaw work to gain access to the homes plus one had moderate chainsaw work.
We worked hard and dedicated as always but the community did also coming together with chainsaws, heavy equipment, and helping hands to accomplish a great amount of good in a short period of time. County Emergency Services personnel including fire departments and SC DOT did an excellent job of cutting out the roadways and preforming assessments that we were able to work from. Orangeburg County Emergency Services Director Billy Staley continuously provided up-dated information and even took us out to help do our assessments and made provisions for us to work out of one of Bowman’s Fire Departments located at 1813Ebenezer Road.
It was very uplifting and encouraging to see people of all walks of life come together to help a community in need including the power companies who we frequently interacted with. As always, it truly was an honor and privilege for us to be used as God’s hands and feet to help others and oh how beautiful is the feeling of fulfillment that comes through loving your neighbors as yourself.
Team members were: Mendel Infinger, Betty Wilson, Kent & Bettie Blocksome, Darrel Briggs, Frankie Whetstone, Bruce McIntire, Billy Robinson, Rev. Ken Phelps, Rev. Melvin Bell, Jerry Harris, Troy & Renee Thomas.
Our next ERT training classes are June 29 in Sumter and August 3 in North. All interested need to contact Billy Robinson at brpraisejesus@aol.com or 803-539-8429.
Bowman Tornado Response – June 6, 2013
Hi, a quick up-date to inform you that Orangeburg County Emergency Services Director Billy Staley called this morning of one more structure with a wide open hole needing its roof secured near Bowman. Frankie Whetstone and I fixed it this morning for a very thankful family who feared the reports of the up-coming tropical storm that is due to hit tomorrow.
This brings our totals to 6 roofs secured / tarped and 4 homes having chainsaw work.
