Tuesday was Captain Perez’s second full day in Smithville, MS. Monday, he spent most of the day getting updated on the current situation.

“I was in a lot of meetings,” he said. “I had to see for myself how everything is being handled. I met with the various federal agencies, the sheriff’s department and located the central distribution center.”

Perez also was informed on the total destruction that hit Smithville just a few weeks ago. Even though the F5 tornado was only on the ground for 10 seconds, it was a mile in length. The town is only a mile and half long.

“Everything was destroyed,” he explained. “All of the businesses and government buildings were located on one street. The tornado went right through it.”

Yesterday, Perez spent most of the day scheduling and coordinating meals with the restaurant, Outback Steakhouse. The restaurant brought food and cooking appliances from Tupelo, MS, which is located about 40 minutes away, and provided meals to 300 victims and volunteers.

The Salvation Army is now in the process of moving their disaster relief into more of long-term case management care. Most of that assistance will be held in Tupelo. Types of assistance that will be offered is: help with furniture, clothing, and household items, as well as helping pay a security deposit or first month’s rent.

“Everybody is slowly getting everything out of Smithville,” Perez said. “In the morning, they’re all in a different location. They are either staying with friends, family, or in a hotel. During the day, they’re in the area working on collecting their items or meeting with FEMA or their insurance adjuster.”

Today, the organization will be distributing disaster assistance vouchers to residents. Individuals can go to local stores and purchase items The Salvation Army cannot provide. The vouchers can even be used to buy gas.