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Tornado Response Update (April 30, 2014 at 9:00)

04/30/2014

BAXTER SPRINGS TORNADO RESPONSE UPDATE: April 30th, 2014 at 8:30 p.m.


A significant amount of progress was made today (Wednesday) in regards to the removal of trees / limbs that had been placed curbside by residents and volunteers.
In addition, many residents have had the opportunity over the past couple of days to remove belongings from their homes and make them secure.


However, the cleanup process will continue for the foreseeable future.


At this time, Empire District Electric Company is reporting 81 Baxter Springs homes are still without power (of those homes able to receive it).


Residents and volunteers are asked to continue to separate their debris at the curb.
Baxter Springs USD 508 continues to be closed thru the rest of the week.


On Tuesday, there were 544 volunteers registered, which dropped to 211 on Wednesday. Wednesday’s volunteers were able to meet the needs of residents at 33 different property’s.


Those who are wishing to volunteer are still needed and asked to check in and out at the former Burgraff Tire (2402 Military Avenue) starting at 8:00 a.m. Volunteers will be issued an identification card allowing them into the impact area.


Contractors are required to register at the same location to obtain identification cards. City permit fees have been waived.


In order to confirm that the city tornado sirens were not damaged in the storm, they will be tested on Friday, May 2nd at 10:00 a.m.


Cleaning supplies, food items, toiletries and other supplies may be dropped off at the First Baptist Church located at 10th and East Avenue.


The curfew remains in effect for the impacted area from 9:00p.m. thru 6:00 a.m.
Law enforcement officers from around the region will continue to saturate the impact zone. As of this time, only one official theft report has been made with the City of Baxter Springs.


On Thursday, from 10:00 a.m. through 7:00 p.m., a Multi-Agency Resource Center will be established at the High School Gymnasium. This will allow residents in need to go to one location, where they will be assigned a “survivor ambassador” who will help them navigate through the recovery process. Agencies at that location will include faith based, non-profit and state based. The MARC will operate Friday – Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.


Last night, four residents took advantage of the Red Cross Shelter located at the Community Building (10th and East Avenue).


The Cherokee County Health Department provided over 60 tetanus shots today, bringing the total given in the impact zone to over 200 since Monday.


The burn ban remains in effect for the City of Baxter Springs at this time.


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