The Hampden County Bar Association will provide those who require assistance with free legal information.
Gov. Deval L. Patrick has asked President Barack Obama to declare a major disaster in areas of Western and central Massachusetts wrecked by tornadoes that resulted in four deaths and injuries to hundreds on June 1.
Patrick formally filed the disaster request on Saturday for all of Hampden County and portions of Worcester County, according to the Associated Press.
If approved, the major disaster declaration would provide local communities and state agencies with federal reimbursement for costs associated with infrastructure damage, debris removal and emergency response. It would also provide aid to homeowners and private business owners seeking to rebuild after the storms.
State officials said Springfield and at least 17 other communities were impacted by the tornadoes and violent thunderstorms.
Federal aid has been on the mind of many officials and residents, especially those in hard-hit communities including Springfield, Brimfield and Westfield, where community meetings were held Saturday.
In Springfield, city officials gathered in the Holy Cross gymnasium in East Forest Park, a hard-hit neighborhood, to provide information.
“We will do everything we can from a city standpoint . ... This is not a two-week effort. It will be longer than that,” Mayor Domenic J. Sarno told the approximately 200 residents.
“Together we will rebuild and be stronger,” he added.
Councilor Timothy Allen led the meeting, introducing Donna F. Carney, the director of the 311 Call Center, and officials from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and Small Business Administration; a representative from the latter agency told residents not to be fooled by the name and advised them to apply for loans through the agency, even if they think insurance will cover their losses. In times of disasters, the Small Business Administration can help homeowners and renters, said Jose Vejarano, public affairs specialist.
Carney said those with land lines can call 311, or if they have a cell phone, (413) 736-3111, and discuss their needs. She said they have donated tarps and plywood for residents to use. Those concerned about hazardous trees also can call the hotline.
“If we don’t have the answer, we’ll find it for you,” Carney said.
Susan Mills, a program specialist from FEMA, said once the president declares the area to be a federal disaster area, people need to register with FEMA by calling 1-800-621-FEMA. From there, they will be given a nine-digit number, which proves they are registered. Disaster assistance centers will be set up, and help residents make their house safe and habitable, or help them relocate through a rental assistance program.
“We understand you can stay only so long with family and friends,” Mills said.
City Building Commissioner Steven Desilets advised residents to make sure everyone they hire is licensed and insured, and that they obtain permits so the city can track the work.
Jay McLaughlin, who lived at the Abbott and Ithaca streets with his family, angrily confronted officials because he said they razed his tornado-damaged house with what he said was no notice on June 4.
McLaughlin later said he had hired workers, and was in the process of taking care of his damaged home himself, when the city took over. Now, he said, most of his possessions are gone, and if he had some advance notice, he would have been able to salvage more belongings – “22 years of life.”
McLaughlin said he called the Building Department numerous times leading up to June 4, and was never called back. He estimates he invested $12,000 into cleanup, only to have the city reduce his home to a rubble pile. McLaughlin said he is seeking legal representation.
Sarno said later, “My heart goes out to the people affected, but we have to think of public safety.” He and Desilets said the house was not safe to enter, and Sarno said he did not know who McLaughlin had been calling prior to the demolition.
“We said we’d answer his questions after and he left,” Sarno said.
State and city police urge residents to keep an eye out for suspicious activity in their neighborhoods. State Police Sgt. Michael Sullivan told them to be aware of a Maine company called “Way Up Tree Service” that was charging a lot of money for tree removal, then dumping in a neighbor’s lot.
In Brimfield, residents packed inside the sanctuary of First Congregational Church, as the volunteer effort was in full swing downstairs. The church is serving as a clearinghouse for all volunteers, and providing breakfast, lunch and dinner every day. All roads south of Route 20 were impacted.
Photo by Lori Stabile. State Rep. Todd M. Smola, R-Palmer, speaks at a community meeting held Saturday morning at the First Congregational Church in Brimfield, a community that was ravaged by the June 1 tornadoes.State Sen. Stephen M. Brewer, D-Barre, cautioned residents about chainsaws, and told those who do not know how to use them to leave tree cutting to the professionals.
“Brimfield, you will get back to where you need to be,” Brewer said.
State Rep. Todd M. Smola, R-Palmer, called the community “resilient” and commended the residents for helping their neighbors. Officials told them about resources, including a storm assistance center set up in the Brookside building at Monson Developmental Center at 171 State Ave. in Palmer where various state agencies are represented to help residents navigate moving their lives forward after losing everything. There are also shower and laundry facilities there.
Gina Lynch, who has been overseeing the volunteer effort at the church, said it will remain open as long as necessary. She urged the residents to do their grocery shopping at the church, so they can save their money to rebuild their homes. Donations fill the church.
“Those who have not been directly affected would like to help you,” Lynch said. “Anything that you need, we will find it for you.”
Lynch also told would-be volunteers to register with them first, to help them coordinate, and said the only items needed now are rain ponchos. Every few hours, she said they send out water, Gatorade and ice to homes where people are working. Those who want to donate specifically to Brimfield tornado victims can send checks to the Brimfield selectmen’s office, 23 Main St., Brimfield, MA, 01010, made payable to the “Town of Brimfield” and note on the check “Harding Fund.”
In Westfield, city officials welcomed about 50 residents affected by the tornadoes to Munger Hill Elementary School where they were given tips on how to navigate insurance waters and encouraged them to inquire about state and federal relief assistance.
Mayor Daniel M. Knapik and James Wiggs, emergency management director for the city of Westfield, gave residents a brief run-down of the insurance claims procedures they will face as they move forward to the recovery phase of the devastating tornado that ravaged the region.
“Record-keeping in critical,” Wiggs said, “and take as many pictures as possible.”
As the rebuilding begins, Wiggs said it is especially important for citizens whose homes were damaged or destroyed by the E-3 level-rated winds to diligently investigate any building contractors with whom they are not familiar.
Attorney Robert C. Sacco said the Hampden County Bar Association will provide those who require assistance with free legal information. That also was stated during the Springfield presentation.
“We will have lawyers available who will provide free information for individuals displaced from housing, assist with insurance claims or other tornado related issues,” Sacco said.
On June 22 from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. the local bar association will work in cooperation with the Western New England University School of Law to take calls at (413) 732-4660 during a Dial-a-Lawyer event dedicated to tornado issues.
Munger Hill Elementary School was impacted by the tornadoes when a section of roof over two kindergarten classes was ripped off the building leaving the two classes in destruction. In addition, nearly all the trees that separated the school from Falley Road homes were ripped from the ground or toppled by the high winds.
Knapik vowed to replant, saying, “When the school was put in 20 years ago, woodland was retained (for privacy). This summer we will re-sod and loam, and we will replant in the fall.”
Manon Mirabelli contributed to this report.