Bernice George
Jacksonville Alabama Tornado Oral History Collection
On March 19, 2018, an EF-3 tornado devastated the City of Jacksonville, Alabama, and had a significant impact on the campus of Jacksonville State University (JSU). Using an oral history approach, a team of researchers from JSU's Center for Disaster and Community Resilience (CDCR) conducted in-depth interviews with 25 residents of Jacksonville who experienced the EF-3 tornado. Interviews took place in the Houston Cole Library, were conducted in private, and lasted approximately 90 minutes each. An article was published in 2022 based on the tornado oral history project in the Weather, Climate, and Society journal by the American Meteorological Society (AMS).
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National Capital Contracting
On March 14, 2019, Tanveer Islam from Jackson State University interviewed Bernice George for the Jacksonville Tornado Oral History Project. Berniece George recounts her experiences during the Jacksonville tornado, which struck on March 19, 2018, as well as her recovery process. George has lived in Jacksonville for over a decade and had never experienced a tornado directly impacting the city before this event. She describes the extensive damage her home sustained, including five trees falling on her property, with one tree crashing through her living room. George reflects on the emotional toll, mentioning that the sound of falling trees and strong winds continues to trigger anxiety. The interview provides insight into George's immediate response to the tornado, sheltering in her bathroom with her nieces and dogs as the tornado passed through. She details the challenges she faced after the storm, particularly dealing with insurance companies and contractors, as well as her displacement from her home during repairs. George emphasizes the importance of community support, crediting her church, neighbors, and friends for helping her cope with the aftermath. She also reflects on her role as a safety coordinator at Jacksonville State University, noting how her professional experience aided her response to the disaster. The interview concludes with George discussing her coping mechanisms, changes in her safety plans, and the lasting emotional impact of the tornado on her life.
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