Senator Marsha Blackburn visits McNairy County to survey storm damage
SELMER, Tenn. — One U.S. senator is surveying storm damage amid relief initiatives in a local county.
United States Senator Marsha Blackburn visited McNairy County Wednesday to tour storm damage along with county Mayor Larry Smith, city Mayor Sherry Inman and other local officials.
“What we’re seeing today is just the outpouring of the volunteer spirit from across the state of Tennessee. I was talking to the young lady who’s running this facility, and they’ve received donations from as far away as New York,” said Patrick Sheehan, director of TEMA.
They plan to develop a comprehensive strategy to ensure the obligation of the federal government is fulfilled to help aid storm victims.
“We can meet some of the victims and talk with them and say ‘Alright, this is where we are and this is where we’re going to get to full recovery’,” said Senator Marsha Blackburn.
The impact of over a thousand storm victims here in a county of 25,000 residents leave houses, families, businesses and schools displaced.
“You can see behind us here with all the supplies and stuff. It’s been very impactful. The live of people being able to come here and get what they need to kind of put their lives back together,” said Mayor Smith.
With the emergency declaration already applied for the state of Tennessee, state officials will finalize a major disaster declaration to be certain that all resources are properly administered.
Senator Blackburn wants to make sure that the federal resources are available to storm victims.
“What we will do from here is continue to work with TEMA and FEMA to make certain that resources are available. We will finish that emergency disaster declaration, then Senator Hagerty and I will ask the White House to approve that. Then, there will be additional resources to come this way,” said Blackburn.
According to city officials, it could take months to see progress but efforts are being carried out for an effective recovery.
If you’d like to help with recovery efforts, you can give to Jesus Cares of McNairy, a long-term disaster relief group that helps residents with finishing repairs, replacing furniture, or rebuilding homes that may not qualify for other assistance.
Donations can also be made to the McNairy County Long Term Disaster Relief Group. Formed by local citizens and leaders after the 2023 tornadoes, this group partners with professional emergency case managers to make sure no one falls through the cracks.
How to give:
- Make checks payable to McNairy Co Long Term Disaster Relief Group
- Mail checks in care of Jesus Cares, 120 W Court St, Selmer TN 38375.
- OR drop them off at the office of Mayor Larry Smith or the Jesus Cares office
It’s important to note that in order to qualify for this help down the road, you must register with both FEMA and the Red Cross immediately.
This step is essential—even if you don’t think you’ll qualify or have long term needs. Call 1-800-REDCROSS to register.
According to city officials, it could take months to see progress but efforts are being carried out for an effective recovery.
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