MACON COUNTY, Tenn. (WTVF) – Heavy rain and flooding have caused first responders to evacuate a Macon County nursing home.
I spoke to the sheriff. The sheriff says they are hoping for more evacuation and are ready.
Emergency managers received calls early in the morning as creeks surged. The red boiling Springs Palace Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Centre were at risk of flooding.
“So we had to evacuate the residence there. Macon County Sheriff Joey Wilburn said:
Wilburn says this is an area they are expected to flood given the rainfall. But the real threat was how quickly the water levels rose.
“Pick floods. It was a hit right away. These are issues we have to navigate,” Wilburn said.
“They first took care of important patients, but then we're getting more mobile and stable patients to high school.”
The supervisor of the Palace Nursing Home refused to speak to us.
He said emergency management on-site requires coordinated work with several agencies and resources by evacuating more than 50 residents.
“This is the best Macon county, everyone works together and accomplishes it to get it done. We all come and work together. This is what we prepared for. That's it,” Wilburn said.
With more rainfall and flooding, Wilburn should not hesitate to keep an eye on the water levels and ask for help.
“Please tell me you're trapped or pinned to be trapped. You'll get someone to take you out and take you somewhere safe,” Wilburn said. .
It is unclear how long residents will be evacuated at Macon County High School.
Wilburn says there are other potential shelter locations. If you need help to escape the flood, call the sheriff's office.
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