Maury tornado recovery: See the latest relief update, crisis centers and hotlines for help

Jay Powell, Columbia Daily Herald
·2 min read
A tornado ripped through Cothran Road in Columbia, leaving a destroyed home, downed trees and power lines off Bear Creek Pike in eastern Columbia.
A tornado ripped through Cothran Road in Columbia, leaving a destroyed home, downed trees and power lines off Bear Creek Pike in eastern Columbia.

The Maury County Office of Emergency Management has issued its latest tornado relief update, which includes added resources for affected residents and continued debris pickups.

The agency's director Jeff Hardy issued the update Wednesday afternoon, stressing that residents needing assistance with debris pickup continue to adhere to guidelines that have already been set in place.

More: Emergency Management issues guidelines for debris recovery, pickups begin Monday

"If you are a resident or volunteer, we are requesting you place debris on the right-of-way so debris removal agencies can begin picking-up the waste," Hardy said. "There may be rolling road closures, with the following roads impacted (but may not be limited to) Old Highway 99, Nicholson School House Road, Blackburn Lane, Newt Hood Road, Hickory Ridge and Heather Lane."

Maury County Emergency Management has issued guidelines for debris pickup, urging those affected by Wednesday's storms to separate debris into certain categories. Pickups are scheduled to begin Monday by the Maury County Highway Office and Maury County Solid Waste.
Maury County Emergency Management has issued guidelines for debris pickup, urging those affected by Wednesday's storms to separate debris into certain categories. Pickups are scheduled to begin Monday by the Maury County Highway Office and Maury County Solid Waste.

The release also notes that, "Maury County will continue to have a "slight risk" for severe weather, and that damaged structures should be securely covered if possible.

More: Middle Tennessee county gives damage update after tornadoes, shares recovery resources

"Until further notice, we will continue to pick up vegetative debris," Hardy said. "We need citizens to continue practicing safe techniques while recovering. Please use the correct equipment, wear the correct personal protection equipment and be mindful of faulty equipment as well."

Maury County Office of Emergency Management Director Jeff Hardy speaks about the damages caused by Wednesday's storms during a press conference Thursday, May 9, 2024.
Maury County Office of Emergency Management Director Jeff Hardy speaks about the damages caused by Wednesday's storms during a press conference Thursday, May 9, 2024.

Contractors working on cleanup sites are responsible for disposing of their debris. Hardy also advises anyone using a contractor to ensure their licensure status at www.search.cloud.commerce.tn.gov.

"As the recovery process continues, please be cautious of citizens at, or around roadways," he said. "We are urging for drivers to proceed cautiously through the area."

Resources, crisis teams available

Maury OEM and other agencies, churches and nonprofits are continuing to provide additional resources.

More: Family loses everything in tornado: 'We have hope, and thank God we are alive'

Anyone needing assistance may call the Crisis Clean-Up Hotline at (615) 488-1875.

Volunteers Rileigh Reaves, 12, and dad Matthew Reaves, load supplies into a vehicle at Randolph Howell Elementary School tornado relief center on Friday, May 10, 2024 in Columbia, Tenn.
Volunteers Rileigh Reaves, 12, and dad Matthew Reaves, load supplies into a vehicle at Randolph Howell Elementary School tornado relief center on Friday, May 10, 2024 in Columbia, Tenn.

Other organizations are also accepting donations for things like water, food and other necessities. These include, but are not limited to:

  • New Lasea Church of Christ - 1570 Lasea Road, (931) 381-7412

  • The Well Outreach - 5306 Main St., (615) 302-9355

  • The Family Center - 921 Beckett St., (931) 388-3840

Maury OEM is asking residents not to call the Office of Emergency Management's general number, but to call (931) 490-6983 or (931) 490-6982 for Mental Health Crisis Assistance.

A Mental Health Crisis Team has been dispatched to the affected areas.

Volunteer opportunities are still available by visiting Maury OEM's website at www.maurycounty-tn.gov/233/Emergency-Management and clicking the tab labeled Disaster Relief.

Jay Powell is a general reporter for The Daily Herald. Get up-to-date news in your inbox by subscribing to The Daily Herald newsletter at www.ColumbiaDailyHerald.com.

This article originally appeared on The Daily Herald: Maury officials issue latest relief update, crisis centers, assistance