Eldon officials ask for patience with cleanup

<p>Danisha Hogue/ News Tribune</p><p>Cheryl Hudson folds towels inside the Missouri Baptist Disaster Relief laundry trailer. The facility includes a shower trailer, which is parked outside the Eldon Community Center.</p>

Danisha Hogue/ News Tribune

Cheryl Hudson folds towels inside the Missouri Baptist Disaster Relief laundry trailer. The facility includes a shower trailer, which is parked outside the Eldon Community Center.

After a weather spotter search during a tornado watch showed the all clear May 22, Eldon fire chief Randy Vernon and staff returned to the station.

But soon after, a tornado touched down in the city, causing extensive damage.

"All of a sudden, this one seemed to just blow up out of nowhere," Vernon said.

The sirens sounded immediately and two shelters were opened for those affected. Within 30 minutes, a dozen statewide mutual aid systems and ambulances were in the area, he added.

Mayor Larry Henderson said the community was blessed to have only one injury from the storm. A truck driver was found in a parking lot during a secondary search.

City department heads provided updates at the Board of Aldermen meeting Tuesday night.

Cleanup is underway in the area; however, officials are requesting patience with how long it may take. Public Works Director Steve Johnson said debris pickup on the south side of town toward Manor Street is scheduled.

Workers had received 110 truckloads of brush and debris as of Tuesday. Residents are asked to create a pile of brush close to the curb for pickup.

Volunteer efforts are being coordinated by local emergency dispatch personnel. Those interested may call 573-392-9111.

"We have limited resources to work with, and these guys are doing their best," Vernon said. "We do have an unlimited number of volunteers."

Ward 1 Alderwoman Daphney Partridge said she is thankful for the staff and residents who are helping out.

"I see the community members that step up to help friends and neighbors and people they don't know," Partridge said. "I think it's hopeful. I think we have a lot of challenges in a small community.

"When I see people work together like that, then I think it's time for people to say, 'If we can come together in a time of disaster when the needs are obvious and when we can look around and see our neighbors in need, then I feel like we should be able to do that when there's not a power line down at our neighbor's house.' We should look around and say, 'What can we all do to make our community better?'"

A tornado disaster relief bank account was created by the city at Central Bank in Eldon for monetary donations.

Police Chief Brian Kidwell said damaged electric poles are being replaced by Ameren; the company said electricity was restored to the area Saturday night.

The city has contacted Federal Emergency Management Agency and is in the process of gathering data to seek funding.

"They said this could take up to two months before they even declare this an emergency," Vernon said.

An initial damage assessment from American Red Cross outlined the amount of damage done to homes in Eldon. Five homes were destroyed, 47 received major damage, 129 received minor damage and 102 were affected. The assessment is not complete.

Business assessments will be done by the city.

Officials are warning residents of potential scams that may attempt to take advantage of those affected. Residents are encouraged to ask to see a local business license and insurance before contracting with companies.

Red Cross

The Eldon Community Center is housing 24 residents affected by the storm, but services are available for much more. Red Cross shelter manager David Silver said people can get diapers, bottled water, snacks and supplies.

Several community organizations and businesses have donated the meals for mass feeding efforts.

Heather Brandt, First Christian Church member and Serve Eldon volunteer, is a former catering manager. In the kitchen at the shelter, she coordinates meals and delegates volunteers to go where the needs are.

"It's humbling," Brandt said. "It could have been a lot worse. Just seeing how the community has come together to take care of our people here, it's indescribable."

About 230 meals are served at breakfast, lunch and dinner. At least 100 volunteers are taking meals out into the community or serving in other ways.

Pastor Bill Foglesong with First Christian Church, Eldon Ministerial Alliance, The Salvation Army and the Lions Club, said it's a big community effort.

"Being out there and being with the community, it is the call of Christ," Foglesong said. "You go and you find the need, and you just start doing something."

Residents from an apartment complex on Jones Avenue are staying at the shelter. Joesph Kupec was working on his car outside the night of the storm.

"Everything happened so quick," Kupec said.

After shingles from the roof across from him flew toward his head, he said,he ran inside and took cover.

"It goes through your head if this is actually reality or not," he said.

Those staying at the shelter expressed gratitude for the services and treatment they are receiving.

Missouri Baptist Disaster Relief is providing an on-site shower and laundry trailer for those staying at the shelter.

Jefferson City resident Cheryl Hudson, who cleans the shower after each use, said the trailer is the least they can do for those who have lost so much.

The Board of Aldermen approved a facility use agreement for the shelter at the meeting Tuesday. Vernon, who also serves as emergency management chief for the city, said the shelter will remain open as long as needed.

"The Red Cross has no plans at all to close," Vernon said. "They will not run anybody off. As long as there's somebody there, they will be there."

A Multi-Agency Resource Center will be in the area Saturday. The nonprofit provides public and private relief agencies to disaster victims. Services will be available 10 a.m.-7 p.m. at Eldon Church of the Nazarene, 1024 E. Lawson Ave.