FEMA Trailers Arrive In Macon County
Spokesman Says Trailers Safe, Optional
POSTED: 6:01 pm CDT March 31,
2008
UPDATED: 8:33 pm CDT March 31,
2008
LAFAYETTE, Tenn. -- Almost two months after a tornado destroyed dozens of homes in Macon County, the first FEMA mobile homes have arrived.
Video: FEMA Trailers Begin To Arrive In LafayetteThe delivery was put on hold when some began questioning the safety of the mobile homes due to the levels of formaldehyde found in some of them.The first eight of the mobile homes arrived over the weekend. About 40 are expected to be available for those who opt to use them.There are signs of progress showing where the tornadoes left so much damage.Jerry Anderson and his family lost their home. Their new one should be ready soon."Just, you know, waiting for them to finish it so we can try to get things back together," he said.In a few days, eight families will be able to move in to the eight mobile homes that are there."We will provide as many mobile homes as people apply for and qualify for in Macon County," said FEMA spokesman Jay Eaker.FEMA and the state of Tennessee put the homes through extensive tests after high levels of formaldehyde were found in some trailers given to Hurricane Katrina victims.Eaker said the homes in Macon County are safe and optional."People don’t have to move into them. They don’t have to accept them. We’re going to provide them with a pamphlet that explains any possible dangers from formaldehyde, and we’ll give them the parts per billions that the particular unit we’ve offered them tested at," Eaker said.The trailers are still being set up, and residents should be able to move in within the next few days.The deadline to apply for FEMA aid expires next Monday at 5 p.m. Residents can call 1-800-621-FEMA or click here.
Video: FEMA Trailers Begin To Arrive In LafayetteThe delivery was put on hold when some began questioning the safety of the mobile homes due to the levels of formaldehyde found in some of them.The first eight of the mobile homes arrived over the weekend. About 40 are expected to be available for those who opt to use them.There are signs of progress showing where the tornadoes left so much damage.Jerry Anderson and his family lost their home. Their new one should be ready soon."Just, you know, waiting for them to finish it so we can try to get things back together," he said.In a few days, eight families will be able to move in to the eight mobile homes that are there."We will provide as many mobile homes as people apply for and qualify for in Macon County," said FEMA spokesman Jay Eaker.FEMA and the state of Tennessee put the homes through extensive tests after high levels of formaldehyde were found in some trailers given to Hurricane Katrina victims.Eaker said the homes in Macon County are safe and optional."People don’t have to move into them. They don’t have to accept them. We’re going to provide them with a pamphlet that explains any possible dangers from formaldehyde, and we’ll give them the parts per billions that the particular unit we’ve offered them tested at," Eaker said.The trailers are still being set up, and residents should be able to move in within the next few days.The deadline to apply for FEMA aid expires next Monday at 5 p.m. Residents can call 1-800-621-FEMA or click here.
Previous Stories:
- March 31, 2008: Deadline Nears For Tornado Victims To File For Aid
- March 28, 2008: Tornado Relief Concert Set For May
- March 24, 2008: Gallatin Church To Assist Tornado Victims
- March 23, 2008: 'Disaster Divas' Collect 800 Prom Dresses
- March 14, 2008: City Considers Talking Tornado Sirens
- March 14, 2008: Cleanup Volunteers Still Needed; FEMA Disaster Center Closes
- March 12, 2008: 'Tornado Dogs' Ready For Adoption
- March 11, 2008: Historic Inn Looks To Recover From Storms
- March 10, 2008: City Considers Tornado Sirens After Storms
- March 3, 2008: FEMA To Advise Home, Business Owners On Storm Safety
- March 3, 2008: Gill, Grant Raise Money For Tornado Victims
- February 25, 2008: Remembering The Victims Of The Feb. 5 Tornadoes
- February 23, 2008: 'Disaster Divas' Gather Dresses For Storm Victims
- February 20, 2008: 4 Accused Of Looting In Storm-Damaged Area
- February 19, 2008: Faith Crucial To Survivor Of Storms
- February 19, 2008: Names Of Victims From Feb. 5 Tornadoes
- February 19, 2008: Macon County Students Prepare To Return To School
- February 18, 2008: Tornado Victims To Receive Boxes After Plea
- February 18, 2008: Rescuer Reunited With 'Miracle Baby'
- February 18, 2008: Firefighter, Family Lose Everything In Tornadoes
- February 18, 2008: Restaurant To Donate Sales To Tornado Victims
- February 18, 2008: Bills Mount For Animals Injured In Storms
- February 14, 2008: Metro Has New Policy For Tornado Sirens
- February 13, 2008: Weatherman Explains Dangers Of Mobile Homes
- February 12, 2008: 'Working 4 You' Tornado Relief
- February 12, 2008: Mother Of 'Miracle Baby' Laid To Rest
- February 11, 2008: Local Resident Admits To Tornado Scam
- February 11, 2008: Schools Look To Get Back On Track After Tornadoes
- February 10, 2008: Red Cross Service Centers Open
- February 8, 2008: Baby Survives Being Thrown By Tornado
- February 8, 2008: Macon Co. Pastor, Family Killed In Crash
- February 8, 2008: Titans Help In Tornado Relief Effort
- February 7, 2008: Many Counties Without Tornado Sirens
- February 7, 2008: BBB: Watch Out For Home Repair Scammers
- February 6, 2008: Macon Co. Damage Widespread; Patience Urged
- February 6, 2008: No Deaths Occur After Gas Plant Explosion
- February 6, 2008: Students Hid In Bathrooms As Tornado Hit
- January 8, 2008: Tornado Destroys Homes In Tennessee
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