Answering the media
by Jesse J. Lewis, Sr.
Mrs. Truman, Executive Director of the Birmingham Housing Authority, called me at 4:30 Tuesday morning when she informed me there had been a tragic accident at the Gate City Housing community. She wanted me to notify the press immediately to let them know of the incident. As the Lewis Group is the public relations firm for the Housing Authority, at that time we did not have any facts, but as soon as we got them we notified all parties concerned. Not only will we keep the press updated but also the Board of Directors, the Mayor’s Office and the housing community.
We notified the press on three different occasions, basically saying one person lost her life and this was one person too many. Although this was a tragedy, there was not extensive destruction of the site as some suggested. The explosion directly affected two occupied apartments units at Marks Village. Unfortunately, one life was lost and one person was seriously injured. The first responders included Birmingham Fire and Rescue. Birmingham Police Department and Housing Authority of the Birmingham District. Mayor William Bell and HABD Executive Director, Naomi Truman made response with their respective entities. HABD Board of Commissioners Vice Chairman, Rev.Dr. Morrell Todd also offered early support to the relief efforts.
In addition to the two units directly affected, twenty-five units were affected by broken windows as a result of first response to putting out the fire and some units that lost power because of the incident. Many residents left their homes yesterday and came to the HABD Community Center to receive information and directions regarding the event. Residents were understandably upset and frustrated by the occurrence.
Being at the Center allowed an opportunity for support through relationships, receiving accurate information, direction and supportive fellowship from neighbors and volunteers. The Red Cross and Salvation Army were aboard along with a number of Faith Community partners and the Gate City Neighborhood Association with Ms. Linda Allen, Neighborhood Housing Association.
Initially, there was concern for the condition of the site water. This was abated after the water was found acceptable for drinking by Jefferson County testers. HABD awaited this report before determining housing requirements. Evacuation of the site would have required shelter housing. The Red Cross was onsite and prepared to assist with shelter housing primarily at New Rising Star Baptist Church with Pastor Beavers. It was not necessary to evacuate the site because the vast majority of apartments were unaffected by the explosion. This allowed HABD to provide housing within its resources for all of the affected families.
Every family who desired and requested a place from HABD to rest that first evening was assisted with one. The HABD onsite management office was open until approximately 8 p.m and reopened at 8 a.m. to serve families. HABD has learned that 12 families did not come to the management office for assistance at the time of the incident; some report they relied on information from sources external to HABD that power would be restored by 6 p.m. When power was not restored they still did not come to the management office. These 12 families who have now come to the management office will be housed at a local hotel. Thirteen families were housed at a local hotel for a two night period at the expense of HABD. There was not a limit on the number of affected persons, for which HABD would have paid, provided the family was in the affected area.
As you know, the press is never satisfied. They will ask the same questions three different ways to get your responses. In this instance, for the most part, who do you think is responsible?
What we know is the National Transportation Safety Board, a federal government agency, is conducting the investigation and they will determine who or what was at fault.
The media also asked: How do you respond to all the critics? and What do you think about the NAACP also doing an investigation? The only way we can satisfy the press is to give them accurate information. In my wildest dream, no one would believe that the NAACP is qualified to investigate a fire explosion, but they have the right to do so. All those other people – God’s Gangsta, World Leaders, We’re on your side – show up at every occasion,take this as an opportunity to express themselves and get a few minutes of fame.
The Birmingham Chapter of the NAACP announced that they plan to investigate the explosion.
“We are accepting official statements and interviews from anyone in confidence of their own personal testimonies. If you heard anything. If you were there. PLease do not hesitate to reach out to us,” urged Rev. Anthony Johnson with the Birmingham Chapter of NAACP.
Right now the group says they’re not looking at taking legal action.
“We want to make sure that any and all preventive and precautionary measures are taken to make sure that this doesn’t happen in this community or any community in Birmingham,” said Johnson.
Our prayers and all our concerns are with those people who have had misfortune from the Gate City explosion. When an incident happens of this nature there is a lot of finger pointing which should not happen. Mrs. Truman will be confronted with a lot of scrutiny. Her hard work done during this crisis should be rewarded for her going beyond the call of duty.
Christmas is here and our prayers are with everyone in Gate City and everyone else who is less fortunate.
e-mail: jjlewis@birminghamtimes.com
