State Baptists provide ‘lightning quick’ response after tornadoes

After 12 tornadoes ripped through several Central Alabama counties Feb. 17, Alabama Baptists organized and responded quickly to meet needs and clean up damaged areas.
According to the National Weather Service, an EF-3 tornado in Prattville was the state’s worst storm with 155 mph winds that caused 50 injuries and left a trail of damage 14.5 miles long.

First on the scene, four chaplain teams traveled through neighborhoods assessing spiritual needs. Soon after, disaster relief teams from Autauga, Elmore, Chilton and Montgomery Baptist associations helped community residents remove fallen trees and debris from their property.

Chilton’s team also worked in Chilton and Dallas counties where F-1 and F-2 tornadoes touched down. 
Other responders included Prattmont Baptist Church and Camellia Baptist Church, both of Prattville, who fed disaster relief volunteers and storm victims. Alabama Temporary Child Care, coordinated by Alabama Woman’s Missionary Union, was also available to assist with any childcare needs.

“The response was lightning quick,” said Tommy Puckett, director of the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions office of men’s ministries and disaster relief. “The community response as a whole in volunteer organizations working together was about as good as you could expect following the disaster.” (TAB)