Waverly, Tenn.–Waverly Police Chief Grant Gillespie has a message for the gawkers and rubber neckers who can’t seem to mind their own business since last weekend’s fatal floods: Stay away from Waverly.
And he has a similar message for the looters who have been rooting through flood victims’ personal things.
Twenty people, including babies and children, died last weekend in the catastrophic flooding that enveloped Waverly, destroying homes, businesses and schools.
First responders from the area converged on Waverly and Humphreys County to help with the rescue and recovery efforts and volunteers from all over have been showing up every day to provide shelter, clothing, meals and more to flood victims.
Chief Gillespie posted a message Sunday evening on the Waverly Department of Public Safety Facebook page: “To all the gawkers and rubber neckers who are clogging up our streets..shame on you. Drive to the Dollar Tree parking lot and sign up to volunteer and help our community instead of driving around hindering them! Our volunteer line will take your call and match you with someone in need. 931-888-8011 or 8012.”
Gillespie earlier posted a message to the looters who have shown up. “For those of you who don’t know right from wrong, it’s called looting when you go through things that don’t belong to you and take them from people who are having hard times. You will find out what our jail is like when we catch you. And we will. Don’t be stupid.”
The National Gaurd Armory in Waverly is open for victims to pick up any supplies you may need. The hours are 7 am to 5 pm seven days a week. Waverly officials said, “Please come and pick up anything you need.”