Greensburg Tornado Update.

UPDATE ON GREENSBURG TORNADO RECOVERY

Assistance Pours into Greensburg ; Cash Donations Best

The out pouring of support for the victims of the Greensburg Tornado has been tremendous. However, only financial donations are requested at this time. Food, clothes and supplies, while thoughtful, are difficult to accept right now, as there is nowhere to store or distribute such items. Relief workers and residents may easily become overwhelmed by excess and perishable materials.

Financial gifts can be handled through the Green for Greensburg Fund coordinated by the United Way : Green for Greensburg Fund, United Way of the Plains, 245 N Water, Wichita , KS 67202 . Make check out to: Green for Greensburg Fund.

In addition, many individuals are wanting to volunteer their time and/or equipment resources to the community. They are asked to contact the United Way which is coordinating all donated resources for the community. Please call 1-888-413-4327.

State Vehicles Replace Destroyed Local Government Vehicles

Twenty-one vehicles from the state of Kansas surplus supply have been delivered to Greensburg and local officials are taking possession of them today. The vehicles were sold to the community by the state for $1.00 each. (State regulations that state surplus property must be sold and cannot be donated). The vehicles include sedans, pickups and four-wheel drive vehicles and will replace the 21 city vehicles destroyed by the tornado. In addition, four Kansas Highway Patrol surplus vehicles will be provided to the Greensburg community and a fifth vehicle loaned to the city of Mullinville .

Residents and Responders Should Take Safety Precautions

Due to the debris and rubble throughout the city of Greensburg , residents, emergency responders and volunteers are asked to take precautions. Tetanus shots are available through the Kiowa County Hospital which has staff moving throughout the Greensburg area to provide the shots on the spot. More than 2,000 shots were given Thursday.

Volunteers and others coming to the area are asked not to bring their children with them because of the danger in the area including glass, nails, metal and many other items which may pose hazards to anyone, but especially children.

Debris Removal; Trash Disposal

Debris removal remains a priority for the city of Greensburg . The Kansas National Guard, Kansas Department of Transportation and contractors hauled nearly 1,100 dump truck loads to the Kiowa County landfill Thursday, approximately 430 loads Wednesday and 150 loads Tuesday.

Residents with spoiled food items are asked to put the food in trash bags along the curb. Any food items could pose a health hazard if not disposed of in this manner.

Supplies Available to Residents for Clean Up

Trash bags, empty boxes, empty containers, gloves and tarps are available to residents at Brown’s Auction across from Davis Park on U.S. Highway 54. These supplies will be free to the community until supplies are exhausted.

Severe Weather Plan

All individuals in the Greensburg community will be evacuated if severe weather moves into the area. A National Weather Service meteorologist is on site and will provide updates regarding weather to those working in the community who will then make the determination about the need to evacuate the area.

Animals

The animals found and held in Greensburg following the tornado will be moved to the Pratt County Humane Society and held for 30 days. If individuals are unable to pick up their animal, other arrangements will be made to board the animals. Please call 620-672-6777.

Greensburg residents can get free dog and cat food by calling 620-723-2897. Inquiries regarding livestock or other companion animals can also be addressed by calling 620-723-2897.

I've noted before I'm a Rotarian. We passed the hat at our meeting on Wednesday (that meeting and the Board meeting the day before themselves displaced due to the local flooding threat) and sent a quick $250 to the Wichita Downtown Rotary Club's foundation, for consolidation and forwarding to assist with Greenburg's recovery. The board will consider a more substantial effort and probably a long-term project when next we meet.

Greensburg has a Rotary Club, in fact they've had one since 1936, and they are a part of District 5690. The members of 5690 are organizing (they've already arranged for a large tent) the things needed so that the local high school can have their graduation ceremony. They are seeking more volunteers to help get it set up - so, if you are within striking distance of Greensburg, and would like to help District 5690 out - here's the info:

It's a Four Way Test kind of thing.

A little

By the way...

Rotary Membership

Members of a Rotary club are part of a diverse group of professional leaders working to address various community and international service needs and to promote peace and understanding throughout the world. If you would like to be considered for membership by a local Rotary club, complete a Prospective Member Contact Form. RI will forward your information to clubs in your area.

We're sorta like the Masons, in that we're "by invitation." But if you'd like to be invited to a meeting or three, on us, just ask!