A tornado killed 78-year-old Edward K. Harris of Evergreen on Wednesday — one that destroyed 20 homes and damaged 100 structures in Appomattox.

“He was thrown from his residence when the tornado struck his mobile home. His wife was among the seven who were injured in Wednesday afternoon’s storms,” said Virginia State Police spokeswoman Corinne Geller. “Five of the injured have been treated and released; two suffered serious injuries and are still hospitalized.”

Gov. Terry McAuliffe toured Evergreen, which is about five miles from from the Prince Edward County line, on Thursday.

“All residents in Appomattox County are accounted for and there have been no additional injuries,” Geller said. “The county and local residents are spending the day recovering and retrieving their belongings … as a result of the tornado that cut an 8-10 mile swath of destruction along Route 460 and through the communities of Evergreen and Red House.”

“For citizen and emergency-responder safety, officials are asking citizens to avoid impacted areas to minimize possible risks associated with structural damage (electrical issues, water/sewer contamination, etc.) as well as keep roadways clear for emergency personnel,” according to a county statement issued by state police.

“As wind gusts continue to affect the area, citizens should be aware of loose limbs, downed power lines or other wind-related hazards. Use caution if traveling as debris/wires may still obstruct many roadways. ”

“Do not consume food products that have been out of temperature (at room temperature for more than two hours) due to power outages; if in doubt, throw it out,” the release stated.

“A Help Line has been established. If you have questions or need additional information, please call (434) 352-2637.”

The Appomattox Community Center, located at 220 Community Lane and the Pamplin Fire Department, located at 2394 Pamplin Road, are serving as shelters.

“Be aware that temperatures may drop below freezing over the upcoming days. Please seek shelter at one of the emergency shelters or make arrangements with family or friends for safe accommodations. Take with you essential supplies (needed medical items, special dietary items, etc.), several changes of clothes, durable shoes, toiletries and any prescription medications.”

“Ensure your pets’ needs are considered as emergency shelters do not allow animals; make arrangements for pet care or contact the Appomattox County Animal Shelter at (434) 352- 7922 for information regarding sheltering options with the locality,” the release stated.

“Do not take brush debris to trash collection/convenience centers. Natural debris may be hauled to the Appomattox County Landfill at 146 Recycle Lane, Appomattox for disposal.”

Shentel has placed a mobile hot spot in the lower parking area of the Appomattox Community Center. Cell phone chargers are being made accessible to the public, the county stated in the release.

“While power is being restored to some areas of the County, gusty wind conditions continue to create new outages. Crews are working non-stop to bring power back online to those still experiencing outages.”

Financial donations are being accepted via the American Red Cross – “Checks may be made payable to the Red Cross and sent to 1007 Sheffield Drive, Lynchburg, Va. 24502 – (434) 845-1234 (specify for Appomattox Disaster).”

Non-perishable supply donations are being accepted at: Appomattox Community Center – 220 Community Lane, Appomattox, Va. 24522 – (434) 352-5996, Liberty Baptist Church – 1709 Church St, Appomattox, Va. – (434) 352-2336, Lynchburg – For those in the Lynchburg area who wish to contribute, Lynchburg Fire Department is offering drop-off points (at any Lynchburg Fire Station) for non-perishable food, bottled water, clothing and cleaning supplies for Appomattox citizens.

“County officials would like to thank all of the emergency responders, volunteers, support agencies and citizens for their tremendous outpouring of support and dedicated work toward recovery. All efforts are greatly appreciated and are making a significant difference as we respond to this incident together.”

“Due to the tremendous outpouring of support, roles for individual volunteers are sufficiently fulfilled at this time,” according to a county spokesperson. “Only recovery volunteers from vetted and insured disaster relief agencies are being registered and deployed to affected areas. Officials thank all volunteers for their willingness to serve.  If you have a desire to help, please consider registering with an official relief organization.”