Montgomery County TN – If you or someone you know is a homeowner whose property was devastated by the tornado on December 9, there are two non-profit organizations that are temporarily in our community offering assistance at no cost to the homeowner. Christ In Action (CIA) and Samaritan’s Purse provide free demolition and other services, but it's essential for homeowners to initiate contact to avail themselves of these services.

To receive free demolition services, homeowners can reach out to CIA by email at [email protected] or by phone at 571-358-9242. Alternatively, Samaritan’s Purse can be contacted by calling 833-747-1234.

It is important to note that demolition services cannot proceed without the homeowner's explicit permission. Homeowners affected by the tornado can obtain a demolition permit at no cost from either the Montgomery County Building & Codes or City of Clarksville Building & Codes.

For information on tornado recovery efforts, visit the City of Clarksville web site, the Montgomery County, Tennessee web site or the FEMA Region4 page. These resources can provide valuable insights and updates on the ongoing recovery initiatives.

###

Montgomery County TN – In the aftermath of the recent tornado on December 9, our community faces the challenging task of debris removal. FEMA has set specific guidelines for this process, and we are seeking the support of our community to assist in the cleanup. To expedite our recovery efforts, we ask that this task be accomplished within the next 30 days.

For residents living outside the City of Clarksville limits whose homes were damaged, the Montgomery County Highway Department will pickup the following types of debris; electronics, appliances, construction materials, and vegetative waste, through February 5, 2024. It is important to note that food products are considered part of household garbage and must be removed from appliances before pickup. To facilitate an efficient cleanup, residents are requested to separate items according to the following FEMA categories, placing the debris near the road away from live trees, hydrants, and meters without blocking the roadway:

1. Electronics: as televisions, computers, stereos, phones, DVD players
2. Large Appliances: Refrigerator, washer/dryer, air conditioner, stove, water heater, dishwasher
3. Construction debris: Building materials, drywall, lumber, carpet, furniture, plumbing
4. Vegetative debris: Tree branches, leaves, logs, plants

Additionally, there are two other debris categories handled by homeowners inside and outside the City limits.

Household Hazardous Waste (HHW): Oil, batteries, pesticides, paint, cleaning supplies, and compressed gas may be delivered to the Main Landfill at 3212 Dover Road from Tuesday, January 16 through Friday, February 2 from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Only those directly impacted by HHW will be accepted during this temporary collection. Please provide a form of address verification. HHW products should be placed upright in boxes, crates, totes, or crates. No charges will be incurred for storm-related HHW.

Household garbage: Bagged garbage, discarded food, paper, and packaging are disposed of at the landfill or a Bi-County Convenience Center by the homeowner or a private hauler. Household garbage should NOT be near the road and will NOT be hauled by the City or the County.

Rodney Grimsley, Montgomery County EMA Deputy Director, emphasizes the importance of proper sorting to expedite debris removal, acknowledging the community's hard work in moving debris to the roadside and highlighting the next crucial step in the cleanup process.

For up-to-date information on tornado recovery efforts, visit the City of Clarksville website, the Montgomery County, Tennessee website, or the FEMA Region4 page. 

###

Clarksville, Montgomery County TN – The outpouring of donations and kindness for those affected by the tornado has been tremendous. We are asking for your assistance once again as we work to match the donations with the actual needs of the tornado victims. 

Our friends with the Clarksville-Montgomery County School System have talked to the individuals and families at the Northeast High School shelter and below is a list of what the families have said they need. These items must be new and may be brought to the Northeast High School location at 2701 Trenton Road or Spring Creek Baptist Church at 2760 Trenton Road. 

Monetary donations are encouraged to allow people to buy their items and the official donation link is under the Tornado Information banner at the City of Clarksville and Montgomery County Government websites.               

Food

•  Juices
•  Sodas
•  Fresh Fruit
•  Snacks
• Non-perishable Food
• Baby Formula

Personal

• Vaseline
• Lip Balm
• Hot Hands
• Diapers
• Pull-ups
• Sweatpants (All sizes/ Genders)
• Underwear (All Sizes) Genders)
• Children Socks

Household

• Pillows
• Towels
• Blankets
• Kleenex
•  Gallon Ziplock
• 13-gallon trash bags
• Small First Aid Kits
•  Baby bottles
• Cat/ dog food
•  Flashlights
•  Laundry detergent
•  Suitcases/ Bags

Spring Creek Baptist Church is also requesting the following items to prepare meals: bread, hot dog and hamburger buns, milk, salad, plastic utensilware, individual condiments, drinks, and other items used to cook meals.

Clarksville, Montgomery County TN – Spring Creek Baptist Church at 2760 Trenton Road opened as a second shelter location for those impacted by the tornadoes. The church is open from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. beginning today. Showers are open and available. 

Breakfast and lunch will be served each day. Pets are not permitted. Updated information about the added shelter will be posted as it becomes available. Donations are welcome.

Northeast High School at 2701 Trenton Road is open 24 hours for those impacted by the tornadoes.  

###

Scammers are looking to make a quick buck out of our recent weather tragedy and leave behind an additional trail of damage.

Scams common after natural disasters include but are not limited to insurance scams, contractor fraud such as: tree removal, roof repair, landscaping, etc., and disaster relief charity scams. Never give out any personal information. 

 Here are a few points to remember when selecting a for-hire-service:

• Contact the Better Business Bureau by email at: [email protected] or give them a call at 615-242-4222
• Take time to check references of home improvement service providers.
• Verify and document the identity of the person/people offering these services.
• Require written contracts and maintain any and all correspondence with the providers.
• Document the process before, during, and after.

In the event you believe you have a criminal issue and need to report your situation to law enforcement, documentation of the for-hire-service, as well as, written contracts and agreements will be necessary to further a criminal investigation into the matter.

Tennessee law states:

Residential Owner Responsibilities

As per TCA § 39-14-154, Actions by Home Improvement Services Provider that Constitute Offense, state law makes requirements of the property owner before there are criminal implications for the home improvement services provider.

• Keep copies of all documents and correspondence with the home improvement services provider.
• If after ninety-days have elapsed if no substantial portion of the work has been performed, hand deliver or send by certified mail with return receipt requested a written request for a refund to the home improvement services provider.
• Also send a copy of the written refund request by certified mail return receipt requested to:

Commerce and Insurance

Division of Consumer Affairs

500 James Robertson Parkway, 12th Floor

Nashville, TN 37243-0600

• Ten days after the request letter has been received or refused to be accepted by the home improvement services provider, the residential owner may contact the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office if the residence is outside the city limits or if within the city limits contact the Clarksville Police Department by dialing 911 to file a report.  

If convicted of TCA § 39-14-154, Actions by Home Improvement Services Provider, you may face felony charges and jail time graded pursuant to Theft TCA § 39-14-105