Volunteers prepare to help flood victims in colder weather

EMBREEVILLE, Tenn. (WJHL) — It’s been two and a half weeks since floodwaters damaged and destroyed dozens of homes in Washington County, Tennessee.

While most flood victims have found temporary housing, James Matthews, the acting public information officer for Washington County/Johnson City Emergency Management Agency, says not everyone is protected from the elements. He says some flood victims are choosing to live in tents.

“To my knowledge, there are still some flood victims choosing to be living in tents, at their choice,” Matthews told News Channel 11.

Matthews says that’s why the county has opened a warming station at the Embreeville Volunteer Fire Department. From 7 p.m. until 8 a.m. through Monday morning, any Washington County resident can seek a warm bed and hot shower at the department. The shelter will be located in the station’s newest bay that has two gas heaters, mattresses and plenty of blankets.

Firefighter Stormy Davis says there were a couple of takers Tuesday night, but for Wednesday he expects more as temperatures will drop near freezing.

“Someone from Johnson City dispatch called and said they knew they had three or four families that would be here tonight,” Davis said. “It stays warm in here with our gas heater.”

At Fenders Farm, donation center volunteers say those living in tents have already been by to get supplies to brave the cold.

“A lot of them came in Monday that were living in tents,” Carolyn Easley said. “They needed sleeping bags, blankets, charcoals, the grills…they had nothing to cook on. They’ve lost everything.”

The colder weather isn’t hampering recovery efforts. Workers dressed in long sleeves and jackets continued repairing electric and water lines in Washington County. And, Easley says the cold weather won’t stop her.

“It’s been so cold here but the volunteers, we’ve just been working through the wind, the cold, the rain, the cold. But nobody’s giving up.”

Matthews says he understands the toughness of Tennesseeans but welcomes anyone into the warming stations.

“We acknowledge that they’re tough but this cold weather can break anyone, and we want to make sure everyone is safe and warm,” Matthews said.

Fenders Farm plans to remain open as long as it’s needed. The farm is accepting donations of cold-weather items like propane heaters, hand warmers, and new blankets.

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