Martha-Patience Taah (right) leaves the Cornerstone Baptist Church after yesterday's church service. photos by CHRISTOPHER WEHLING/THE FREE LANCE-STAR View More Images from this story Visit the Photo Place

Date published: 5/12/2008

Counselors available in affected areas Stafford will have human-services professionals in the affected neighborhoods to provide counseling to anyone who may need it. Placard system provided for affected homes County officials are transitioning to a placard system for homes affected by the storm. Houses with a red placard are unsafe and deemed uninhabitable. Residents are not permitted to enter these homes. Houses with a yellow placard are stabilized but still unsafe. Those who wish to enter must be escorted by a county building inspector. Call the Department of Code Administration at 540/658-8650 to schedule a visit by a building inspector. A place to dump debris A Dumpster will be available at Gayle Middle School starting today for residents who need to throw away general household debris. Emergency center likely to remain open all week The emergency response center is likely to remain open throughout the week, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day. The fire station is located off Litchfield Boulevard at 20 Sebring Way. County staff will provide information about county services, assist with permits and facilitate inspections to aid in the recovery efforts. Employees from the Departments of Planning and Zoning, Economic Development, Information Technology, Citizens Assistance and Public Information will be available to answer questions and direct residents to other agencies that are available to provide a variety of aid. The phone number is 540/658-4221. Damaged property eligible for tax relief Residents affected by the tornado may be eligible for tax relief. Real-estate taxes may be adjusted if damage incurred is more than $500, or if the house is deemed uninhabitable for more than 30 days. People with questions about real-estate tax relief can call the Commissioner of the Revenue's office at 540/658-4132. Personal-property tax relief also may be available for cars, boats, motorcycles or other personal property destroyed by the storm. Please notify the commissioner of the revenue's office if personal property has been destroyed and disposed of, so the tax bill can be adjusted accordingly. Caution necessary even in 'safe' areas Stafford officials request that residents and their children show extreme caution, even in areas that appear to be unaffected by the tornado. There is glass, nails and other sharp or dangerous materials in grassy areas, water areas and other spots that may appear, at first sight, to be safe.

Date published: 5/12/2008

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Waldman is close to right (posted by wideopenspace , May 12, 2008 6:06 pm)

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