Agenda - 08-04-1993 - VII-C - Laserfiche WebLink

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ORANGE COUNTY NOVEMBER 1992 TORNADO REPORT TO THE COMMUNITY EXECUTIVE SUMMARY On November 23, 1992, a tornado struck Hillsborough, the county seat of Orange County. This natural disaster resulted in two fatalities and extensive damage to numerous homes and businesses. Damage assessments included: - Structures receiving minor damage = 84 - Structures receiving major damage = 13 - Structures that were destroyed = 53 Structural damage estimates totaled $1,953,000. Although natural disasters are inevitable and sporadic, the County makes every effort to be prepared and respond accordingly. In the event of such an occurrence, the County' s mission is to assist residents with their immediate and long-term needs in an effort to return them to a sense of normalcy and status prior to the disaster. Because Orange County received a Declaration of Disaster status from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) , residents were eligible for low-interest disaster loans. Loans were available to homeowners or renters and to businesses. In addition to the financial assistance available from the federal government, Orange County formed an "Unmet Needs Committee" . This committee was comprised of public and private sector organizations and groups, churches, and individual volunteers. They were responsible for the coordination of relief efforts to meet the needs of those persons affected by the tornado - both immediate and long term. To ensure that recovery efforts were conducted as expeditiously and effectively as possible, a Service Center was established. The purpose of the Service Center was to assess all needs and provide the appropriate referrals for service. A Distribution Center was also established to act as a clearinghouse for donations of clothing and household goods. In addition, financial contributions were directed to three primary areas: Orange Congregations in Mission (OCIM) , American Red Cross, and Fairview Baptist Church. The Unmet Needs Committee met for several months following the disaster to ensure the continuity of service delivery. It is the recommendation of this committee that a standing committee be developed to ensure continued preparedness and cooperative efforts for future emergencies or disasters.