The city of Monterey Tennessee is being called a disaster zone. That’s why city and county officials there had a community meeting Thursday night at Burk Elementary.

About 150 people showed up to the event and they were all handed a list of resources they could call if they needed help.

Many left more emotional than when they arrived. The city of Monterey is left devastated by an ice storm and even those in charge know it.

“I’ve never seen anything like this,” said Tommy Walker, the superintendent for the Volunteer Electric Cooperative. “I’ve been 42 years at the co-op and I’ve never seen anything like this. I want to thank the Highway Patrol – good people.”

“I want to thank my wife and my family. They’ve been here ever since it started. We slept at the fire hall Saturday night,” said Kevin Peters, the Monterey fire chief.

When the ice storm hit Friday night, the entire city went dark. Still, 7,500 people are without power in the area. The electric company is still trying to replace more than 100 poles, victims of fallen trees.

“There are thousands and thousands and thousands of trees that are down all over our county,” said Randy Porter, the Putnam County executive. “This end of the county is never gonna look the same.”

For those still without power and without food, those trying to put Putnam County back together, let people know the resources are there.

“Walmart donated $5000 worth of food today,” said Porter.

The community is relying on each other.

“I just want to tell you we will do whatever we can do for you,” said Peters. “We are here and I love you all.”

The Putnam County executive says it’s going to take months for the area to get back to normal.

They are in need of volunteers to come in and help with storm clean up and food distribution. If you would like to help, call 931-839-8548.

RESOURCES:

Spanish hotline: (931) 881-5025.

Shelter: Red Cross has a 24 hr. Emergency Shelter available at Monterey Junction. Three hot meals and Showers are available at this location. Contact for Red Cross Shelter is (931) 881-5946.

Distribution Center/Food: (931) 881-5923, Putnam County Emergency Response will be distributing food boxes at the Adams Building (Monterey Crate ilk Pallet Office) from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm daily.

Wilson Elementary: 24 hour shelter and meals from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm. Food boxes and food are available as well.

Electrical Assistance Hotline: (931) 881-5061, Assistance provided for homeowners without home insurance for repair of electrical entrances into the home (VEC customer ONLY)

Mental Health Hotline: (931) 412-4123

D.A.R.T. (Disaster Animal Response Team): An emergency animal kennel located at 315 E. Peter Avenue and can be reached at (931) 644-2622.

Food Trailer: a food trailer will be setup at 705 Commercial Avenue. Breakfast is saved from 7:30 am – 9:00 am; lunch from 12:00 noon – 1:30 pm; dinner from 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm. Hot coffee will be available from 7:30 am 7:00 pm. This food trailer will be open with these hours for the next several days.

Debris Removal Assistance Hotline: free debris removal is available by contacting (931) 839-2111

If you receive food stamps and have been affected by the Ice Storm you may be entitled to additional benefits for this month. Contact the Department of Human Services for additional information.

Volunteer Opportunities: debris removal, food distribution, and/or donate food/items contact (931) 839-8548.

Monetary Donations can be made at any Bank of Putnam County, (931) 839-2211, under “Monterey Disaster Relief Fund”.