The tornado that dipped out of the heavy clouds last Tuesday afternoon sent a shock wave through Commerce and in the few seconds it was on the ground it destroyed a couple of structures, damaged scores more and toppled countless trees. But, as almost everyone around the area hit observed, “it could have been a lot worse.”
As is the case with most disasters, this one had the proverbial silver lining — in the form of an instant response from the entire community to the area hit by the twister.
City police, fire and rescue units were on the scene in minutes, and even though the city’s utility buildings off Homer Road were damaged (one was destroyed), its utility crews were quickly on the job. Local churches sprung into action to provide emergency shelter and food.
Virtually every law enforcement and fire department in Jackson County rushed to the scene. The Banks County Sheriff’s Office arrived. The Jackson County EMS, the county public works department and the Jackson County Correctional Institute scrambled into action. Georgia Disaster Relief was on the scene before 5:00 Tuesday afternoon. The first order of business was to check for deaths or serious injuries. Then the repair and cleanup began.
Commerce workers set aside the policy of not entering private property to remove trees from yards and houses so residents could get in and out. Groups and individuals brought chain saws to cut away fallen trees and limbs, the Commerce Fire Department began installing tarpaulins over holes in roofs and city and county workers hauled truckload after truckload of debris away. Local churches continue to match volunteer skills with repair needs to patch roofs and remove debris.
The inevitable side effect of a catastrophe is to bring a community together — remember after 9-11 when America was united, if only for a few weeks. The Aug. 26 tornado is a reminder that when disaster arrives, we will not be alone. Whether a tornado hits in Commerce or Braselton, a serious commercial fire occurs in Jefferson or Banks Crossing, the local governments will respond at all levels and citizens will rally to aid and comfort the victims.
Bad things often bring out the best in people. The residents of Commerce, particularly those of the area hit by the storm, were blessed by the overwhelming response from local governments, utility workers, fire and police departments and volunteers. Without their skill and dedication, it truly would have been much worse.
To see the other opinions expressed this week, read the Sept. 3 edition of The Commerce News.
