Severe storms passed through north Bryan County on Tuesday evening, killing one person, injuring several, and leaving major damage behind. A State of Emergency remains in effect for damaged areas of North Bryan County as damage is surveyed.
In response to the storm, many organizations have stepped up to provide relief to the community. Here is info on some ways you can help, and information for Bryan County residents:
Donations for victims:
Donations for the victims of the tornado can be directed to Bryan County Family Connection in at 40 South Industrial Boulevard, Pembroke. There is a list of needs on their Facebook page. They have a list of basic needs including toiletries, underwear, socks, diapers, tarps, and other basic needs. Monetary donations can also be made to Bryan County Family Connections and Ellabell United Methodist Church at 3279 GA-204, Ellabell.
United Way of the Coastal Empire has established the Bryan County Disaster Response Fund in response to the devastating tornado event in Bryan County on April 5, 2022. The Bryan County Disaster Response Fund will provide critical emergency support to impacted Bryan County residents in need of temporary shelter, food and gas cards, replacement of clothing, medicine and more.
“Our role at United Way of the Coastal Empire is to mobilize the community to support the immediate needs of survivors and the long-term needs of the area as determined by our emergency services partners. So, even as our region faces the threat of storms again today, we are asking everyone to join us by giving to help those impacted,” said United Way of the Coastal Empire President and CEO Brynn Grant.
Donations can be made by texting “HelpToday” to 40403 or by visiting the United Way of the Coastal Empire website at uwce.org. Bryan County residents impacted by the tornado should call 211 for assistance.
Volunteering:
Volunteers are encouraged to meet at Lanier Primary to receive assignment. Contact Firefigher Calvin Hitchcock.
Bryan County Family Connection is working with Bryan County Fire & Emergency Services and have compiled a list of emergency supplies that are needed to help displaced neighbors. If you are looking for a way to help, donations can be dropped off at our North Bryan office located at 40 South Industrial Blvd in Pembroke. Donations can also be dropped off at the Ellabell United Methodist Church, Dairy Queen Grill & Chill and Shuman Electric in Pembroke. Here's the list:
- Hygiene Products for both Men and Women (Deodorant, Shampoo and Conditioner, Body Wash, Shaving Gel, Razors, Feminine Hygiene Products)
- Toothbrushes and Toothpaste
- Baby Wipes
- New Towels and Wash Cloths
- New Socks (of all sizes--children, men, women)
- New Underwear (of all sizes--children, men, women)
- Diapers - of all sizes
- New Pillows and Bedding
- Dog and Cat Food
- Bottles of Water
- Tarps
- Gift Cards and Monetary Donations
Fight the War Within Foundation, an all volunteer nonprofit organization, is taking action to provide relief to those affected by a tornado in Bryan County, Georgia. The tornado struck the evening of April 5, 2022, devastating homes and destroying businesses and government buildings. The Foundation has been in touch with officials, who report that the damage is extensive and many people are in need.
Fight the War Within has partnered with Friendly Liquidations to collect donations for those affected. Items needed include (but are not limited to) nonperishable foods, bottled water, clothing, baby supplies, pet food, toiletries/hygiene products, and cleaning supplies. Donations can be dropped off at Friendly Liquidations at 821 King George Blvd in Savannah. Their hours are 10:00 AM-6:00 PM Monday through Saturday, and 11:00 AM-3:00 PM on Sundays.
In addition, the Foundation is proud to announce that they will be donating 100% of registration proceeds from their upcoming Race to Fight the War Within to benefit the tornado relief efforts in Bryan County, GA. The Race to Fight the War Within will take place on April 23rd at 8:00 AM at Howe2Run at the Shoppes of Savannah, near the intersection of I-95 and HWY 204. Participants can register at the race website: https://runsignup.com/Race/GA/Savannah/FighttheWarWithin
Information for Bryan County residents:
A State of Emergency remains in effect for damaged areas of North. There has been significant damage to the Park Place and Homestead Drive neighborhoods, Hendrix Park, Black Creek Golf Club, and the areas of Pembroke including the County complex. Avoid these areas as you go about your day. At this point, a curfew will again be in effect for the impacted areas.
Bryan County is in the process of surveying the damage. If your home is damaged in the impacted area, please send a photo with the address to the Bryan County Fire and Emergency Services Facebook or to mkent@bryan-county.org. This will help the County speed the survey to identify damage and get residents back to their properties sooner.
There are downed power lines in the path of the storm. Do not touch downed power lines and report them to the power companies. Further updates will be released as they become available.
Non-emergency help or request a welfare check:
Call 912 858-INFO. Please be patient as this event is still ongoing.