Emergency personnel in Stephens County practiced their response to a disaster last week, saying they hope they never face a similar situation.
Taking advantage of a teacher workday Tuesday, leaders utilized a scenario that an EF-4 tornado struck, resulting in the collapse of a back hallway of Stephens County Meddle School, more than a dozen injuries and two fatalities, said Stephens County Emergency Management Agency Director Danielle Rhodes.
Units from Stephens County Sheriff’s Office, Carnes Creek Station 2, Stephens County Emergency Medical Services, Stephens County Emergency Management Agency and Toccoa Fire Department responded to the reported structural collapse in that portion of the building.