Wednesday Video Spotlight: Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and more Thunder players tour Moore areas hit hard by Monday’s tornado
Oklahoma City Thunder’s Kevin Durant toured a southwest Oklahoma City neighborhood that took a direct hit in last Monday’s F5 tornado to offer words of support and encouragement to homeowners and volunteers assisting with the relief effort. Durant walked several blocks along S Hudson, near SW 145, on Wednesday afternoon, May 22, 2013, and also visited Briarwood School, the heavily damaged elementary school in the same neighborhood. Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman
One day after donating $1 million to victims of Monday’s devastating tornado through his foundation, Oklahoma City Thunder star Kevin Durant ventured out into the hard-hit community to brighten the day of those suffering through their darkest hours.
The Thunder and the Thunder Cares Foundation also announced Tuesday a joint donation of $1 million to benefit the local chapters of the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army as well. Today, fellow Thunder star Russell Westbrook ventured out to tornado-ravaged parts of Moore on crutches to tour the damage and spread goodwill to the victims.
Today, Oklahoma City police escorted Thunder Coach Scott Brooks, General Manager Sam Presti and players Westbrook, Daniel Orton, Hasheem Thabeet, and Thabo Sefolosha around some of the heavily damaged areas, reports my excellent colleague LeighAnne Manwarren.
The Thunder group also visited with first responders at a command post in the Moore Fire Station, 2400 S Fritts Blvd. Officials took out their cellphones and started taking pictures while the players checked out operations. To read more of LeighAnne’s great story, click here.
-BAM
Wednesday Video Spotlight: Bill Warren talks about tornado-struck Warren Theatre in Moore, to reopen next Wednesday
Workers begin to clean up the Warren Theatre in Moore, Okla., on Tuesday, May 21, 2013. The Theatre was hit by the tornado that moved through the Moore area on Monday. Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman
Warren Theatres founder Bill Warren got emotional today when he talked about the EF5 tornado that struck his Moore movie theater Monday with 150 to 200 people inside it. He watched the tornado score a direct hit on the theater from his home base in Kansas via his Internet security cameras, reports NewsOK video host Dave Morris.
The theater’s partially repaired marquee now bears the slogan “God Bless Moore.”
“Today I had my architects and three structural engineers in town. They’ve gone through the building; structurally, it’s very sound. There’s going to be half a million to a million dollars in damage, but it’s all on the exterior of the building. Other than a couple of water leaks, there’s no damage on the interior. We do plan to open next Wednesday to the public. And the restoration to the outside is ongoing,” he said.
“We feel very fortunate that the building’s still standing.”
After the tornado tore through Moore on Monday, I spoke to Jill Gottschalk, an assistant in Warren Theatres’ corporate office in Wichita, Kan., who said there were no reports of injuries to theater employees or patrons.
“Obviously, we are just in a loss of words right now,” she said, with obvious emotion in her voice. “Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone … Anything any of us can do here we’re definitely in gear to go do it.”
Warren confirmed that no patrons or employees were injured in the tornado; in fact, he said the company has received emails from people who said they were driving on Interstate 35 as the twister approached and sought shelter in the theater, safely riding out the storm inside.
-BAM
Kristin Chenoweth raising money for Oklahoma tornado relief thorugh her Maddie’s Corner charity
Kristin Chenoweth (AP file)
Through her Maddie’s Corner charity, Broken Arrow native Kristin Chenoweth is raising money to help the people and animals of her home state recover from this week’s devastating tornadoes.
The Emmy- and Tony-winning actress/singer founded Maddie’s Corner in honor of her beloved Maltese, Maddie. The charity’s mission is to bring attention and support to animals in need and groups working on their behalf, as well as to highlight the many ways animals help people in need and enrich our lives.
Through CustomInk, Maddie’s Corner is selling specially designed T-shirts for $25 each. The campaign’s goal is to sell 1,000 shirts, raising more than $17,500 which will go to disaster relief in Oklahoma.
Here’s more from the campaign website:
Maddie is a little dog but right now she’s got her paws wrapped around her mama’s home state of Oklahoma in a big hug of love and support following the devastating tornado. So many lives, both human and animal, were torn apart. Maddie was IN Oklahoma, with her grandparents, at the time of the storm. You can imagine how this tragedy hits especially hard.
We are going to do whatever we can to help those affected by the tornado to recover and rebuild. We will be sending food, building supplies, medical supplies and veterinarians, if needed. We want to see everyone reunited with lost pets and help families to heal and care for themselves during this difficult time.
To buy a shirt, click here.
-BAM
Reduxion Theatre to donate proceeds from Thursday’s performance of “Tom Jones” to tornado relief
In response to the devastation this week’s tornadoes have created in central Oklahoma, Reduxion Theatre Company is donating 100 percent of all ticket and concession sales from its Thursday performance to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief fund.
“This loss touches us deeply and we want to do what we can to spread hope where there is so much sorrow,” Reduxion Artistic Director Tyler Woods told me in an email.
Reduxion is wrapping up its production of “History of Tom Jones, a Foundling,” the company’s adaptation of Henry Fielding’s 1749 novel. Thursday’s tornado benefit is set for 8 p.m. at its Broadway Theater, 1613 N Broadway Ave. The final performances are 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
The new play is developed by Reduxion founders Tyler Woods and his wife, Erin Woods. Written by Erin and directed by Tyler, this world premiere play based on Fielding’s classic novel is set in England and follows the risqué adventures of a handsome young man with a lust for life and an eye for the ladies.
“History of Tom Jones, a Foundling,” is part romantic comedy, part social commentary and all action-adventure. The book has been the subject of many film and television versions including the popular 1963 movie, “Tom Jones,” starring Albert Finney.
The film was so popular that the up-and-coming English singer Thomas John Woodward changed his name to that of the title character, “Tom Jones,” in the early 1960s because he liked the racy persona.
The title character is good-hearted and not concerned with how people see him. The story, which was ahead of its time, offers a commentary on how the appearance of goodness is different from true honesty and integrity. But most people know “Tom Jones” as a sexy, sword-fighting, adventure story.
A bodice-ripper, “Tom Jones” contains sex and violence, and the show is not for younger audiences.
Reduxion has a reputation for creating new art based on classic stories. The production uses experimental movement styles, theatrical pantomime, puppetry, innovative stage-combat practices and RTC’s original brand of “theatre-in-your-lap” audience-interaction. Additionally, the boundary-pushing period costuming includes Marie Antoinette-style tall powdered wigs and giant hoop-skirts. It’s visually stunning, fast-paced, fun and provocative.
As founders of Reduxion, Tyler and Erin share a vision for the theatre company, but “Tom Jones” is the first project they have developed together.
For more information, go to www.reduxiontheatre.com.
-BAM
Oklahoma City Thunder: More low-post scoring needed?
Charles Barkley long has said the Thunder won’t win a title until it gets more low-post scoring. Says the Thunder relies on too many jumpshots.
I’d say Chuck is half right. The Thunder could use more low-post scoring. But the Thunder doesn’t necessarily rely on too many jumpers. The Thunder this season ranked 13th in the NBA in points in the paint, 41.8 per game. That’s not a great ranking. But it is more than Eastern Conference finalists Miami and Indiana. In 2011-12, the Thunder ranked 12th in paint points, 41.3.
The Thunder gets a ton of paint points from Russell Westbrook’s drives (and Kevin Durant’s), and even without James Harden’s drives, its paint points went down only 0.5. Still, the Thunder could use low-post scoring. OKC will not get it from Kendrick Perkins or Nick Collison. But the Thunder might get some with improved play from Serge Ibaka.
Scotty Brooks last week defended his team’s low-post threats.
“We use it in a way that we have it with Russell,” Brooks said. “Russell’s really, the last couple of years, in his offensive package, that’s part of the package where he scores down low and he demands a double team, because he’s stronger than most point guards. He does a lot of facilitating from that low post spot. So we have one.
“And then we have KD. KD has also developed in that area. You’re always looking for ways to score. We were one of the leading teams in the league in scoring. I don’t know where we ended up final number, but we were one or two or three (third, 104.9 per game). So scoring, we score different ways. You score with what we have. And we have a good scoring team.”
Brooks said people want the Thunder to get another low-post scorer and another 3-point threat. “Sounds like people (want) to be an all-star team,” Brooks said. “I’ve coached it, I’m pretty good. I’m 1-0 with an all-star team. But we have a good team. And we have a bunch of pieces to the puzzle that we have to figure out. I think our guys have done a good job with that. Our low post scoring is different from Memphis. Not a lot of low post scoring bigs in the league. But I like what we do offensively.”
However, Truehoop blog used ESPN Stats & Information to come up with a primary need for each team, going into the NBA Draft. The blog’s diagnosis for the Thunder? Low-post scoring.
“Post-up plays made up seven percent of the Thunder’s offense this season (the NBA average was nine percent),” Truehoop reported. “Kevin Durant and Serge Ibaka are the only Thunder players who rank in the top half of the league in post-up points per play.”
More low-post scoring is going to be difficult to find. Few low-post threats are coming out of college, the Thunder has little salary cap room to add players and outside of Ibaka and Westbrook, no one on the roster has the skill set to score consistently from the low block. And one of those guys is a point guard.
Forecast, National Weather Service, Norman
Oklahoma senior defensive back Kass Everett organizing tornado relief effort in Philadelphia
Oklahoma senior defensive back Kass Everett (23) is organizing a tornado relief effort in Philadelphia. PHOTO BY STEVE SISNEY, THE OKLAHOMAN
NORMAN — Kass Everett arrived in Oklahoma less than a year and a half ago, but the people have already made a tremendous impact on him.
Everett, an OU senior defensive back, was back home in Philadelphia through the devastating tornadoes that ripped through Oklahoma earlier this week.
“Everyone was asking if I was still in Oklahoma,” Everett said. “It was kinda wearing on me. I know a lot of friends that I’ve met in Oklahoma. It’s a big deal. I just want people to know that people not just in Oklahoma care. I care, and a lot of the people in Philadelphia care.”
Everett contacted the Community Service Corps at his high school — Philadelphia’s Roman Catholic High — about organizing a relief effort for people in Oklahoma affected by the storms. He started spreading the word for “Kass Everett Oklahoma Relief” on social media sites like Twitter and Facebook.
Wednesday, though, OU compliance officials notified Everett that he couldn’t organize a charitable event with his name attached to it, because that would be a violation of NCAA rules.
“I didn’t know,” Everett said. “I didn’t know that my name couldn’t be attached to it. That’s fine. It’s bigger than me. I’ve got a lot of people involved, and there are a lot of people who can take it way further than I can.”
Everett said the event will begin Tuesday at Roman Catholic High School, and they’ll hope to collect monetary donations, as well as clothing, toiletries and food.
“My high school has been in contact with the Red Cross,” Everett said. “We’re still not sure if they’re gonna be able to ship it out to Oklahoma. That is in the works right now. We’re definitely taking monetary donations, for sure.”
Everett joined Oklahoma via Pierce Community College in Woodland Hills, Calif., and appeared in 11 games last season for the Sooners, recording six tackles and forcing one fumble.
“A lot of people here in Philadelphia care,” Everett said. “It’s not just a local, Oklahoma problem. It’s everyone’s problem, and we want to make ourselves part of the situation and give a helping hand.”
Hazardous weather outlook, National Weather Service, Norman
HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE NORMAN OK
420 PM CDT WED MAY 22 2013
HARPER-WOODS-ALFALFA-GRANT-KAY-ELLIS-WOODWARD-MAJOR-GARFIELD-NOBLE-
ROGER MILLS-DEWEY-CUSTER-BLAINE-KINGFISHER-LOGAN-PAYNE-BECKHAM-
WASHITA-CADDO-CANADIAN-OKLAHOMA-LINCOLN-GRADY-MCCLAIN-CLEVELAND-
POTTAWATOMIE-SEMINOLE-HUGHES-HARMON-GREER-KIOWA-JACKSON-TILLMAN-
COMANCHE-STEPHENS-GARVIN-MURRAY-PONTOTOC-COAL-COTTON-JEFFERSON-
CARTER-JOHNSTON-ATOKA-LOVE-MARSHALL-BRYAN-HARDEMAN-FOARD-WILBARGER-
WICHITA-KNOX-BAYLOR-ARCHER-CLAY-
420 PM CDT WED MAY 22 2013
THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK COVERS NORTHERN…WESTERN…
CENTRAL…AND SOUTHERN OKLAHOMA…AND WESTERN NORTH TEXAS.
.DAY ONE…THIS AFTERNOON AND TONIGHT…
THUNDERSTORM OUTLOOK…
SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS WILL BE POSSIBLE ACROSS PARTS OF NORTHERN
AND CENTRAL OKLAHOMA OVERNIGHT.
DISCUSSION…
FAIRLY DRY…STABLE CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTED TO PREVENT
THUNDERSTORM DEVELOPMENT ACROSS OKLAHOMA AND WESTERN NORTH
TEXAS THROUGH THIS EVENING.
LATE TONIGHT…ELEVATED THUNDERSTORMS MAY DEVELOP ACROSS THE AREA AS AN
INCREASING LOW LEVEL JET BRINGS DEEPER MOISTURE AND BETTER INSTABILITY
NORTHWARD. LOCATIONS NORTH AND EAST OF A LINE FROM ERICK…TO LAWTON…TO
SULPHUR WILL HAVE THE BEST CHANCE OF SEEING THUNDERSTORMS. THIS WILL
INCLUDE THE SOUTH OKLAHOMA CITY METRO IN AND AROUND NEWCASTLE AND MOORE.
ANY STORMS THAT DEVELOP OVERNIGHT MAY BECOME SEVERE…POSING A THREAT OF
LARGE HAIL TO THE SIZE OF GOLF BALLS…AND WIND GUSTS OF 50 TO 60 MPH.
FREQUENT LIGHTNING WILL ALSO OCCUR. STORMS SHOULD GRADUALLY MOVE
SOUTHEASTWARD THROUGH THE LATE MORNING AND EARLY AFTERNOON HOURS…
DIMINISHING IN COVERAGE AND INTENSITY BY EARLY AFTERNOON.
PROBABILITY TABLE…
VALID THROUGH 700 AM CDT THURSDAY MAY 23.
PROBABILITY OF THUNDERSTORMS OCCURRING IN THE
NWS NORMAN COUNTY WARNING AREA…100 PERCENT.
PROBABILITY OF SEVERE STORMS IF STORMS OCCUR…60 PERCENT.
OTHER HAZARDOUS WEATHER…
RIVER FLOODING CONTINUES ALONG THE CLEAR BOGGY CREEK NEAR CANEY
IN ATOKA COUNTY…AND ADDITIONAL RAINFALL TOMORROW MORNING MAY MAKE
CONDITIONS WORSE.
.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN…THURSDAY THROUGH TUESDAY…
THUNDERSTORM OUTLOOK…
THERE IS A SLIGHT RISK FOR SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS THURSDAY AFTERNOON AND
NIGHT ACROSS FAR SOUTHWESTERN OKLAHOMA AND FAR WESTERN TEXAS WITH
DAMAGING WINDS AND LARGE HAIL AS THE MAIN HAZARDS. WHILE NOT VERY
LIKELY…THERE IS A SLIM CHANCE THAT SOME OF THIS ACTIVITY MAY MOVE
INTO CENTRAL OKLAHOMA DURING THE EVENING HOURS.
THUNDERSTORM CHANCES WILL CONTINUE ACROSS PARTS OF THE AREA THROUGH
MONDAY NIGHT. A FEW STRONG TO PERHAPS SEVERE STORMS WILL BE POSSIBLE
EACH DAY DURING THIS TIME FRAME.
OTHER HAZARDOUS WEATHER…
NONE.
Information on most of these tornadoes is still very preliminary, according to the National Weather Service, Norman
PUBLIC INFORMATION STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE NORMAN OK
406 PM CDT WED MAY 22 2013
…LATEST ON TORNADO INFORMATION FOR MAY 19 AND MAY 20…
A NUMBER OF TORNADOES AFFECTED PORTIONS OF CENTRAL AND WESTERN
OKLAHOMA ON MAY 19 AND 20. INFORMATION ON MOST OF THESE TORNADOES IS
STILL VERY PRELIMINARY.
…MAY 19 EDMOND TORNADO /OKLAHOMA COUNTY/…
RATING: EF1
PATH LENGTH: 7 MILES
PATH WIDTH /MAXIMUM/: TO BE DETERMINED
TIME: 4:22-4:30 PM CDT
LOCATION: NEAR 33RD STREET AND SOUTH BOULEVARD STREET
IN EDMOND TO NEAR HIGHWAY 66 AND POST ROAD
…MAY 19 ARCADIA TORNADO /OKLAHOMA COUNTY/…
RATING: EF0
PATH LENGTH: SHORT
PATH WIDTH /MAXIMUM/: NARROW
TIME: 4:33 PM CDT
LOCATION: APPROX. 1 SW ARCADIA
…MAY 19 LUTHER-CARNEY TORNADO
/OKLAHOMA.. LOGAN AND LINCOLN COUNTIES/…
RATING: EF3
PATH LENGTH: 20 MILES
PATH WIDTH /MAXIMUM/: TO BE DETERMINED
TIME: 4:41 PM – 5:24 PM CDT
LOCATION: 3 NORTHWEST OF LUTHER TO CARNEY TO
2 MILES SOUTHEAST OF TRYON
…MAY 19 LAKE THUNDERBIRD-SHAWNEE TORNADO
/CLEVELAND AND POTTAWATOMIE COUNTIES/…
RATING: EF4
PATH LENGTH: 20 MILES
PATH WIDTH /MAXIMUM/: TO BE DETERMINED
TIME: 6:00 PM – 6:50 PM CDT
LOCATION: LAKE THUNDERBIRD /8 MILES EAST OF DOWNTOWN
NORMAN TO 6.5 MILES EAST-SOUTHEAST OF MCLOUD
…MAY 19 WEST OF PRAGUE TORNADO
/POTTAWATOMIE AND LINCOLN COUNTIES/…
RATING: EF2
PATH LENGTH: 7 MILES
PATH WIDTH /MAXIMUM/: 400 YARDS
TIME: 6:59 PM – 7:12 PM CDT
LOCATION: 6 MILES WEST-SOUTHWEST OF PRAGUE TO
3 MILES NORTH-NORTHWEST OF PRAGUE
…MAY 19 NORTHEAST OF PRAGUE TORNADO
/LINCOLN AND OKFUSKEE COUNTIES/…
RATING: EF1
PATH LENGTH: 10 MILES
PATH WIDTH /MAXIMUM/: 700 YARDS
TIME: 7:17 PM – 7:33 PM CDT
LOCATION: 3.5 MILES NORTHEAST OF PRAGUE TO
5.5 MILES WEST OF WELTY
…MAY 20 NEWCASTLE/MOORE TORNADO
/GRADY..MCCLAIN AND CLEVELAND COUNTIES/…
RATING: EF5
PATH LENGTH: 17 MILES
PATH WIDTH /MAXIMUM/: 1.3 MILES
TIME: 2:45 PM – 3:35 PM CDT
LOCATION: 4.4 MILES WEST NEWCASTLE TO 4.8 MILES EAST
OF MOORE
…MAY 20 STEPHENS COUNTY TORNADO…
RATING: TO BE DETERMINED
PATH LENGTH: APPROXIMATELY 6 MILES
PATH WIDTH /MAXIMUM/: TO BE DETERMINED
TIME: 7:58 PM – 8:20 PM CDT
LOCATION: APPROXIMATELY 7 MILES SOUTH-SOUTHEAST OF
MARLOW TO 3 MILES WEST OF BRAY.
OTHER TORNADO REPORTS ARE ALSO STILL BEING INVESTIGATED FROM MAY 20.
Situation Update: Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management
Situation Update
Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management
Situation Update 5
May 22, 2013 6 p.m.
SEVERE WEATHER IMPACTS STATE
Due to widespread tornado damage, the State Emergency Operations Center remains activated at reduced levels. The EOC will close at midnight Wednesday and will resume normal operations at 8 a.m. Thursday.
The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management (OEM) is in contact with emergency managers across the state and coordinating with the Oklahoma National Guard, Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Oklahoma State Department of Health, Oklahoma Department of Human Services, Oklahoma Office of Homeland Security, Oklahoma Department of Transportation, Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry, Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality, Office of Management and Enterprise Services, Oklahoma Insurance Department, Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Service, National Weather Service, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Medical Reserve Corps, American Red Cross, the Salvation Army and the Oklahoma Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters (VOAD).
The State has launched a website, okstrong.ok.gov, to provide up-to-date information and resources. Individuals affected by the storm are urged to report their whereabouts on the American Red Cross website, safeandwell.org.
Search, rescue and recovery efforts are nearly complete, but are still ongoing.
Preliminary debris removal planning is underway. The City of Moore will lead debris removal efforts. Numerous agencies stand ready to assist the City of Moore in there efforts. The Federal Emergency Management Agency will pay 85 percent of debris removal costs for the first 30 days. FEMA will pay smaller percentages of debris removal costs after 30 days.
The Oklahoma National Guard remains activated, with 117 members deployed in 46 vehicles throughout the area. The Guard is also assisting with providing drinking water to the area.
The Oklahoma Highway Patrol reports 43 troopers and 23 additional state law enforcement personnel staffing 23 perimeter checkpoints.
Moore officials report they have enough responders on scene at this time, and ask that additional resources and volunteers please stay away from the affected area unless specifically requested.
Responding agencies and organizations are continuing to organize resources to feed up to 40,000 people over the coming days.
FATALITIES
The Oklahoma Office of the Chief Medical Examiner reports 24 fatalities related to Monday’s storms.
Two fatalities are attributed to Sunday’s storms.
INJURIES
The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) reports 324 injuries as a result of Monday’s storms. The injuries include 168 individuals who sustained cuts or pierces and 114 individuals who were struck by objects.
HEALTH SERVICES
Due to low water pressure Tuesday, Oklahoma Heart Hospital South relocated 14 patients.
The Oklahoma City-County Health Department is offering tetanus shots to rescue workers, volunteers and residents in affected areas.
The Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS) has established an emergency response center within the tornado disaster zone in Moore at the Cleveland County Health Department, 424 S Eastern Ave. in Moore. ODMHSAS is also coordinating volunteer efforts and providing mandatory training for behavioral health professionals wishing to assist with services for those in need. Licensed mental health professionals, certified case managers or certified recovery support specialists who would like to assist victims should call (405) 522-3908. To be admitted into the disaster zone, volunteers must have received training and hold a valid identification badge. Badges will be issued by the ODMHSAS at the completion of training.
ODMHSAS is also offering services through the Disaster Distress Helpline, 1 (800) 985-5990. The helpline can provide immediate counseling to anyone who needs help dealing emotionally with the aftermath of the storms.
Individuals who want to volunteer to help with disaster relief should register on the Oklahoma Medical Reserve Corps (OKMRC) website at www.okmrc.org. OKMRC is designed to bring together different healthcare-related organizations and members of the community, including physicians, nurses, public health workers, and other medical professionals. In addition, volunteers without a background in medical training are needed.
TRANSPORTATION
Northbound and southbound lanes of I-35 through Moore have been reopened. However, emergency and cleanup crews are requesting motorists to avoid I-35 in Moore. Heavy traffic in the area is greatly hindering cleanup operations and ongoing emergency response. All I-35 off-ramps in Moore remain closed to the public.
DAMAGED STRUCTURES
FEMA is assisting OEM and other agencies in the process of assessing damage to structures. The assessment is ongoing due to the wide scope of damage sustained in the affected area. FEMA officials are also assessing the need for temporary housing for affected individuals.
Oklahoma Insurance Department officials estimate up to $2 billion in damage may have occurred in the affected areas.
INDIVIDUAL ASSISTANCE
President Barack Obama has issued a major disaster declaration for Cleveland, Lincoln, McClain, Oklahoma and Pottawatomie counties. The declaration makes individual assistance available to tornado survivors in those counties. All affected individuals, regardless of income level or insurance policy status, are encouraged to apply for individual assistance.
Homeowners, renters and business owners in those counties are encouraged to register with FEMA for potential recovery assistance. Survivors can register online at disasterassistance.gov, via smartphone at m.fema.gov, or by calling 1-800-621-3362.The same counties were also approved for public assistance to include debris removal, emergency protective measures and direct federal assistance.
U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) will provide support to homeowners and low-income renters forced from their homes due to the storms. The President’s declaration allows HUD to offer certain foreclosure relief and other assistance to certain families living in the five disaster counties. Individuals who were receiving HUD rental assistance before the disaster should contact their Public Housing Authority, multi-family apartment manager or local HUD office for help in locating temporary housing.
SCHOOLS
Classes at Moore Public Schools have been canceled for the remainder of the school year. Graduations will continue as planned.
COMMUNICATIONS
Wireless telecommunications providers are taking steps to boost wireless communications capabilities in the area.
Cox Communications has established a telecommunication center for residents and rescue workers to use. The center has free open WiFi, local and long distance calling and HD video service. Cox is also opening up Cox TV Connect access for those impacted so they can have video viewing capabilities outside of the home.
The telecommunication center is located at the Moore Community Center at
301 N. Broadway in Moore. An additional center will be opened later this evening.
CONSUMER PROTECTION
Investigators with the Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office are investigating instances of price gouging and ask that anyone who experiences price gouging to contact the AG’s Office immediately on the fraud hotline at (405) 521-2029. The practice is illegal. Also, the first scams typically seen following such tragic situations are charity fraud. Please stay alert and only donate to reputable charities.
ADDITIONAL SERVICES
Recipients of SNAP (the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program commonly known as “food stamps”) whose households were impacted by the storms and have lost their food benefit cards should contact their county Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) worker and request a lost food replacement. Persons needing food assistance can apply for SNAP at their local county OKDHS office.
SHELTERS AND MASS CARE
An estimated 350 individuals are in American Red Cross shelters. The American Red Cross has opened the following shelters:
St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church – 2727 SW 119, Oklahoma City
Moore Community Center – 201 S Howard, Moore
**First Baptist Church of Moore – 301 NE 27th St., Moore
The American Red Cross encourages the use of their website, www.safeandwell.org, which is designed to help family and friends reunite.
Additionally, the following American Red Cross shelters from Sunday remain open:
Shawnee High School Athletic Center – 1001 N Kennedy, Shawnee
The University of Oklahoma Housing & Food Services is open for those displaced by the tornadoes.
Feed The Children will be accepting donations of diapers, canned goods, non-perishable food and snack items, water and sports drinks, and cash donations at the following locations in Oklahoma City:
1. McCormick Warehouse at 29 N McCormick from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
2. First Baptist Church at 1201 N Robinson
3. KOCO at 1300 W Britton Road
4. Faith Tabernacle Church at I-40 and Portland
5. TLC Garden Center 105 W Memorial
The Salvation Army has seven canteens deployed to the Moore area. One canteen is being sent to Newcastle. Two canteens remain in Shawnee. The Salvation Army is coordinating with Southern Baptist Disaster Relief for meal preparation for The Salvation Army and American Red Cross to then distribute.
POWER OUTAGES
Oklahoma Corporation Commission reports approximately 17,760 outages related to the storm.
PSO
Total – 35
Tulsa – 23
McAlester area – 6
Chickasha area – 6
OG&E
Total: 16,120
Mannsville: 533
Moore: 12,009
Norman: 7,808
OKC North: 821
OKC South: 116
Yukon: 2,494
OKC Metro total: 15, 587
Caddo Electric Cooperative
Total: 27
Caddo County, Cement area
Canadian Valley Electric Cooperative
Total; – 113
Largest outage – McLoud, Bethel Acres areas
Central Rural Electric
Total: 223
Lincoln County – 215
Logan County – 1
Oklahoma County – 5
Most outages: Carney, Wellston areas
Oklahoma Electric Cooperative
Total: 1,121
Most in Moore, SE OKC.
Ozarks Electric
Total – 60
Adair County
People’s Electric
Total: 18
Pontotoc County
Southeast Oklahoma Electric
Approximately 70 – Durant area
ANIMALS
Found animals are being taken to the following sites:
Oklahoma City Animal Shelter, SE 29th and Bryant
Moore Animal Shelter, 3900 S Interstate 35 Service Road
City of Norman Animal Shelter, 615 E Robinosn
Animal Resource Center, 7949 S Interstate 35 Service Road, Oklahoma City
Pet owners searching for lost pets are encouraged to check okclostpets.com and the Facebook page for the McClain County Animal Response Team.
DIAL 211
For Oklahoma residents seeking non-emergency disaster or health and human service information, please contact your local 2-1-1. Services are available 24 hours a day by dialing 2-1-1 from your home or cellular telephone. Please only call 911 for emergencies.
