Congressman Whitfield, Representative Rudy, assess damage Hickman Courier 02/12/09 Charlotte Smith Email this story to a friend On Feb. 2 Congressman Ed Whitfield and Representative Steven Rudy paid a visit to Fulton County’s Emergency Operations Center, in operation following the ice storm which crippled the area. The center was located in the former National Guard Armory Building on Myron Cory Drive in Hickman. Whitfield, Rudy and representatives of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) were there to assess the situation in Fulton County. Congressman Whitfield arrived at approximately 10:15 a.m. by helicopter, with Fulton County one of the 14 or so stops to be made in Western Kentucky. Congressman Whitfield and Rep. Rudy met with Fulton County Judge/Executive David Gallagher, Fulton Mayor Dan Voegeli, Hickman Mayor Charles Murphy, Fulton City Manager Kenney Etherton, Hickman City Manager Larry Myatt, and many others working at the Emergency Operations Center (EOC). At one time, approximately 60 volunteers were working at the EOC including members of the CERT (Certified Emergency Response Team). “This is one of the hardest hit areas,” Congressman Whitfield agreed when he first spoke with local officials. One area of concern for local officials was the dire need for communication capabilities and the lack thereof. When the storm first hit Jan. 27 it not only wiped out electrical power to everyone, but it also knocked out AT&T phone lines, including long distance, making it difficult to communicate with one another. It also hindered the EOC from getting in touch with emergency responders in the state. After speaking with officials in Fulton County Congressman Whitfield said he is “hoping to solve existing problems by having a meeting with local responders, mayors, and county judges to develop a more comprehensive workable plan in the future” for disasters such as this and any in the future. Congressman Whitfield talked about outlining communication between the state emergency responders and those providing basic needs, such as generators, food, and water. He agreed this problem is statewide, not just in Fulton County. He also said he was “learning a lot just talking to county judges about practical problems people are needing,” he said. Before leaving Congressman Whitfield expressed his sympathies to the residents of Fulton County. “I want to extend my heartfelt sympathies for people in this area. I know they are going through a very difficult time. I know that Judge/Executive Gallagher, Mayor Voegeli and Mayor Murphy are doing everything they can with the emergency response team to correct this problem. We have the National Guard here. We have utility companies from all over the area here and they are trying to restore electricity as soon as possible.” “We have come through this pretty good,” said Mayor Murphy, but not without some hardships. “I really appreciate Congressman Whitfield coming to Fulton County and showing interest in our needs,” said Mayor Murphy. As of Feb. 2 the Hickman Water District was in a boil water order until further notice. The water was off in Hickman for approximately 24 hours beginning Jan. 29, with water distributed to those in need from the Willingham Center in Fulton, the Hickman Police Department and Fulton County High School. A hydrant was available in the Cayce Community for those needing to fill tanks or bulk containers. Bulk water was also available at Fulton Public Works. J.L. Atwill, who has been assisting at the EOC, informed Congressman Whitfield TEMA (Tennessee Emergency Management Agency) has been helpful during the aftermath of the ice storm. “Thank you all so much. Without Tennessee we would have been worse here,” commented Congressman Whitfield to Larry Shirley, Lead Tech, and James Larkins, Radio Communications Tech III of TEMA. “We really appreciate it.” Congressman Whitfield and Rep. Rudy then went to visit the shelter, located at Fulton County High School, where cots and blankets are available. Anyone planning to stay at the shelter is asked to bring pillows. Showers were also available at the Willingham Center in Fulton. The National Guard is going throughout the county, distributing food and water to residents. A feeding station is still available at the Fulton County High School at 7 a.m., 12 noon and 5 p.m. They had been preparing 1800 meals a day as of Feb. 2. Highland Park Church, of Jackson, Tenn., was on hand for several days aiding with the preparation of the meals, among other volunteers assisting with food distribution. A curfew remains in effect in the city of Hickman from midnight to 6 a.m., as well as a countywide curfew from dusk until dawn, put into effect by Judge/Executive Gallagher. The only exclusion is the City of Fulton. “We still want to stress to all people traveling the roads in Fulton County to not approach fallen power lines,” said Eddie Crittendon, Fulton County PIO. “Please assume they are energized. Please be aware of limbs that have been broken in trees that have yet to fall.”