BEDFORD – Following a major disaster declaration by President Donald Trump in July, representatives from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) were in Lawrence County last week to meet with local officials and assess damages from severe storms and tornadoes that impacted the state in late March and early April.
According to Lawrence County Emergency Management Director Valerie Luchauer, FEMA officials met with representatives from the towns of Oolitic and Bedford, as well as the Lawrence County Highway Department and Sheriff’s Department, to discuss potential reimbursement for storm-related damages.
FEMA officials also visited several homes that suffered extensive damage. Luchauer noted the dire housing situation, stating that many residents are still living in extensively damaged homes with tarps on their roofs because they have nowhere else to go due to the limited housing options in the area.
In related news, the Emergency Management Department will host a Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) exercise on September 12th to test and improve emergency plans for hazardous materials incidents. The exercise is designed to evaluate preparedness, train personnel, and coordinate the response of local agencies, businesses, and the public.
“These exercises help identify gaps, clarify roles, and ensure communities are ready to respond effectively to chemical emergencies,” said Luchauer.
The event will be held at the Bedford Fire Department headquarters on H Street at 8:30 a.m.
