Sheriff: More Than 200 Homes Damaged

Bartow County Sheriff Clark Millsap said in a press release the storms Wednesday night and early Thursday morning have caused a tremendous amount of damage to areas of the county. He along with Commissioner Clarence Brown and Fire Chief Craig Millsap flew over the path of destruction this afternoon.

The track of destruction started near Kingston and travelled about 25 miles to the Cherokee County line near Gordon County with about a ½-mile path. Early estimates are that about 200 homes sustained damaged.

Millsap said operations will continue 24 hours a day until authorities are sure all the people in the path of destruction are safe and accounted for.

Assistance is currently being provided by the Salvation Army (using a mobile canteen), the United Way and the Red Cross. Anyone wishing to assist should contact the Bartow County Emergency Management Agency at 770-387-5089.

Authorities urge concerned citizens not to go into any damaged areas without notifying the EMA, as all persons in the area must be accounted for.

The county government has 20 employees assisting with the distribution of food and water to affected areas.

Millsap added that on-lookers and looters will not be tolerated. People not in the areas for valid reasons will be asked to leave or could be charged with criminal trespass.