VESTAVIA HILLS, Ala. (WIAT) -- Thunderstorms over the weekend brought down trees and caused damage to property in the Birmingham area.
“It rained as hard as I’ve ever seen it rain and the wind was really blowing,” said Gaines Smith, a Vestavia Hills resident.
Smith says he got lucky during the storms, he did not have any damage to his house or property. Vestavia Hills Fire Department Battalion Chief Scott Ferrell says not everyone fared as well as Smith. A tree in Cahaba Heights fell directly onto a car that those who live on the street say had two women, a baby, and a dog inside. Battalion Chief Ferrel says no one was injured inside the car.
Ferrel says the department was responding to reports of car accidents, downed trees and powerlines and flooding throughout the storms.
“That kept us busy for about a two-hour period, cause all of the calls came in at once, so it stretched our resources thin,” added Farrell.
First responders say the best way to stay safe during the weather is by staying inside.
“If you can stay at home, if that’s at all possible, just stay at home. Stay out of the weather. If you do come up on an emergency scene where there is a tree down, or a powerline down, just stay away from it. Our first priority is public safety, we just want to keep people from getting injured further,” remarked Ferrell.
Ferrell says the first thing you should do if you come across storm damage is call 911 and wait for authorities to arrive.