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Vestavia Hills Mayor Alberto “Butch” Zaragoza reassured Cahaba Heights residents tonight that the city is doing all it can to help the community recover from a devastating April 27 tornado.

Zaragoza said the city focused much of its attention on Cahaba Heights following the storm and will continue to do so.

“Continue to help us out. Continue to let us know how we can help you,” the mayor said during a town hall meeting tonight at Philadelphia Baptist Church that drew about 300 people. “That’s what we’re here for, to work with you and try to recover from this disaster.”

Cahaba Heights was rocked by a tornado that uprooted trees and left crater-size holes in lawns, downed power lines and blocked roads.

The mayor estimated the damage in Vestavia Hills at nearly $6.5 million.

The city dispatched public works crews and police to Cahaba Heights to help clear debris and provide a greater law enforcement presence.

Zaragoza told residents the city will enter an agreement with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to remove debris in Vestavia Hills.

Although the city can’t remove debris from private property, Zaragoza said he would look into whether the emergency declaration would allow it to do so.

Zaragoza also warned about scam artists and encouraged residents to choose contractors who are bonded and insured and preferably those with a city business license and a city permit.

Federal Emergency Management Agency representatives encouraged residents to apply for federal assistance.

Geneva Coleman, a FEMA representative, said the agency won’t cover damages covered by insurance. “But we still want you to apply to FEMA,” she said. “Some people may be uninsured. You may not have enough insurance to cover (all of your) damages.”

The city and FEMA distributed fliers with information and numbers for various agencies that can provide assistance.

Residents also offered themselves as volunteers and information about resources and groups willing to help with recovery.

Several residents complimented the city on its response after the tornado. Zaragoza complimented residents who helped cut limbs and trees before public work crews arrived.

“When you rely on us all the time we’re limited in resources, so we have to count on you all,” the mayor said. “You all have stepped to the plate and have done a tremendous job helping us out.”

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