Burke County tornadoes leave many cleaning up the aftermath

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Updated: 7:58 PM Apr 13, 2009 Burke County tornadoes leave many cleaning up the aftermath Two tornadoes hit Burke County, leaving families cleaning up the damages. Posted: 12:17 AM Apr 13, 2009 Reporter: Ashley Jeffery Email Address: ashley.jeffery@wrdw.com

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News 12 @ 11 o'clock -- April 12, 2009

BURKE COUNTY, GA --- "I hope the governor signs some kind of disaster thing so I can apply for FEMA,"said Scott Inness of Waynesboro.

Scott Inness, talking about all the damages the Burke County tornadoes left to his home Friday night.

"I was in shock, I couldn't believe it, I thought I was dreaming," said Scott.

He's starting over, but there isn't much to work with. Scott, like so many others, just lost his job. And to make matters worse, he doesn't have homeowners insurance.

"The hits keep coming for the last six months. I thought the bad was over until Friday night," said Scott.

And that hit traveled miles further into Burke County to Bryan Hortenstine and his neighbors.

"I thought it was just a bad wind until the air pressure dropped to where it popped my ears,"said Bryan Hortenstine whose home was damaged.

The Hortenstines lost their boat and roof in the storm. Bryan says what was once a jacuzzi room is now a sun room. But the storm was much more devastating for his neighbor. They found buried in the rubble, in critical condition.

"My wife and I were out surveying the damage to our house when we heard him crying for help and he was over there bleeding to death. It makes you rethink your priorities, it really does. One minute you're watching the news and go to bed. And the next minute, your life's upside down literally,"said Bryan.

And as the community continues with it's clean up, even in times of trouble, they're still hopeful.

"It's just a lot to take in, in such little time,"said Bryan.

And for Scott, the timing couldn't be worse, but he says he's still standing strong.

"Yep, I survived. I was very lucky, very lucky. I got a lot of good friends helping me out,"said Scott.

Burke County officials tell News 12 at least 23 homes either have major damage or were destroyed.

There is a relief fund set up for James Inness at the First National Bank of Waynesboro.

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