SB SPCL @ ARL $ARLX003 ARLX003 Georgia Hams Respond in Aftermath of Killer Tornadoes ZCZC AX03 QST de W1AW Special Bulletin 3 ARLX003 From ARRL Headquarters Newington CT March 25, 2003 To all radio amateurs SB SPCL ARL ARLX003 ARLX003 Georgia Hams Respond in Aftermath of Killer Tornadoes Amateur Radio operators in southwestern Georgia have been helping in the wake of tornadoes March 20 that left six people dead and over 200 injured. Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue declared a state of emergency in Mitchell and Worth counties. Hams have been assisting responding organizations including the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army and Georgia Baptist Disaster Relief. ARES activated in Lee and Dougherty counties, as well. ARES members of the Albany Amateur Radio Club, most also Red Cross volunteers, took emergency response vehicles to the affected areas to feed victims and provide vital communications. Several of the ARES members have been volunteering continuously since March 20, said ARRL Lee County Emergency Coordinator Bob Smith, K4PHE. ARES District 7 (Southwestern Georgia) Emergency Coordinator J.D. Goings, AA4P, said ARES members were doing "a fantastic job" helping out in Mitchell and Worth counties. "There is a lot of damage, and it is widespread," he said. "I would expect us to be there a couple of weeks." NNNN /EX