Fairs planned to aid tornado victims

By DREW STAMBAUGH

Enterprise Editor

A pair of information fairs are planned to help aid persons affected by the June tornado as they continue to recover. Representatives from several organizations will be on hand to talk to area residents privately about their situation.

The first fair will be this Thursday from 2-7 p.m. and the second will be Thursday, Aug. 5 from 2-7 p.m. Both events will be held at the Delta United Methodist Church, 101 N. Wood Street.

The Northwestern Ohio Communication Action Commission (NOCAC) has partnered with the Fulton County Long Term Recovery Committee to do assessments of local resident affected by the storm. Representatives from the organization have gone in to see if immediate needs have been met as well as what residents may need for the future.

"We are starting to see a few common themes," said Angie Franklin, community service director for NOCAC. "We will be addressing those at these fairs. Those interested will come in and speak face-to-face with agencies."

The most common issues include insurance questions, legal aid and mental health after dealing with the traumatic experience.

"We're really hoping that the families that were affected take the opportunities," said Franklin. "We are excited that [the Ohio Department of Insurance] is coming in. They are very knowledgeable with insurance. I think that is going to be a big draw."

Advocates for Basic Legal Equality will also be on hand to assist those affected with any legal needs. Representatives from local counseling and mental health agencies will be available to answer questions and provide referrals for those experiences stress or anxiety.

There will also be information available on other topics, including food assistance, utility assistance, health insurance and other long term and immediate needs.

Assessments found that 68 homes were affected by the June 5 tornado in Fulton County. Of the homes affected, 50 percent sustained major damage or were totally destroyed. The other 50 percent sustained minor damage.

There were four Fulton County residents injured by the tornado.

The National Weather Service confirmed that the tornado in Fulton County was an EF2 on the Enhanced Fujita scale. Maximum wind speeds were estimated at 111 to 135 mph.

The tornado began on State Highway 109 just north of County Road A. It then continued to the northeast through Maumee State Forest and then entered Lucas County.

The tornado traveled 7.5 miles in the county and was half a mile wide at the widest point. Multiple houses and structures were damaged or destroyed. Numerous trees were uprooted, stripped or damaged.

To RSVP for the fair or for more information call April McKenzie at 1-800-686-2978 ext. 111.