Utility workers join local law enforcement and social service agencies, as well as state agencies, in lending a hand in Joplin, Missouri, in the aftermath of a tornado that killed at least 116 people Sunday night.
Tuesday morning approximately 60 Kansas City Power and Light crew members planned to drive to Joplin to assist Empire District Electric with restoration efforts following this weekend’s devastating tornado. Vice President Bill Herdegen says the damage to infrastructure is severe, and his crews will work to help restore power to thousands of customers. Herdegen says they will help rebuild electrical circuits, repair damaged poles and downed lines and help restore the more than 19,000 customers without power. The KCP&L team consists of approximately 45 linemen and several support personnel, including safety employees, supervisors and mechanics. The crews, comprised of personnel throughout the KCP&L service territory, are prepared to stay in Joplin for up to two weeks assisting with restoration efforts.
The Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office will send six deputies to Joplin along with a couple of pieces of emergency equipment. Sheriff Mike Strong says the deputies will head to Joplin within by about Wednesday afternoon. Law enforcement efforts in the disaster zone are being coordinated by the Missouri Sheriff’s Association.
The Midland Empire Chapter of the American Red Cross is sending eight disaster volunteers and the emergency response vehicle to Joplin. Emergency Services Director Karla Long tells us some of them will lead sheltering operations, and one will take a leadership role in feeding operations. Long says her counterpart asked for help in the form of people to take over those leadership roles. Long says she’s received a lot of calls from people willing to volunteer in Joplin. The trouble is, those people have not received the training required to send them into a disaster area. Long says if you’d like to volunteer for the next disaster, you should call her at (816) 232-8439
Second Harvest Community Food Bank will provide food and hygiene items for anyone who is displaced. Storm victims are asked to provide identification of their address. Victims can go to any of the more than 100 agencies affiliated with Second Harvest. They are also sending donations to Joplin. Authorities in the disaster zone say they need Diapers, Canned food with pop tabs, personal hygiene items, crackers and snacks for children. You can also donate online at http://ourcommunityfoodbank.org.
The Livingston County Sheriff’s Office is rounding up donations to take to Joplin. Sheriff Steve Cox says his department will accept any donations from citizens or local business who wish to contribute. Cox says they are accepting canned goods, blankets, bottled water, hygiene products and any other items you wish to send. When they receive a pickup truck load of donations, an employee will transport the items to the affected area.
Attorney General Chris Koster is warning individuals and businesses against price-gouging following the devastating tornado in Joplin.
“Missouri law is clear – price gouging is illegal and the Attorney General’s Office will investigate and prosecute instances of price-gouging to the full extent of the law,” Koster said. “The unimaginable disaster in Joplin will take everyone working together to recover. There is no room for anyone to try to take advantage of tornado victims in need.” Koster’s office is sending investigators to the area to monitor for price-gouging and to examine any allegations on-site. The Attorney General urged any person who believes a business has suddenly and artificially raised the prices on necessities including gas, food, diapers, clean-up equipment, etc., should contact his office at 1-800-392-8222, or online at ago.mo.gov to file the complaint. Koster said those who violate price-gouging laws can face penalties of up to $1,000 per violation.
The Missouri Department of Social Services is assisting families impacted by recent storms in applying for, or replacing food stamps for food purchased that has been lost or damaged. Staff from the Missouri Department of Social Services is ready to assist families at local shelters and local social services offices. The Joplin Children’s Division and Family Support Division office at 601 Commercial is open with staff on hand. Social services staff is also at the Forrest Park Baptist Church shelter and the Greater Ozarks Chapter of the Red Cross shelter at Missouri Southern State College’s Leggett and Platt Athletic Center. Families can also visit or call social services offices in Neosho, Lawrence, and Barton counties.