SIKESTON, Mo. – Mayor Greg Turnbow asked for nothing but patience from community members Tuesday morning as they worked to assess all the damage in the area.
“Our biggest concern right now is getting the power and access into the neighborhoods and once we get that, we can move forward and answer more questions,” Turnbow said.
Acting State Governor Mike Kehoe, along with the state’s emergency management agency, also joined the mayor to address community concerns. They travel to southeastern Missouri to assess storm damage and determine what state resources may be needed. City leaders say about 30% of people in Sikeston alone are without power.
The sounds of whirring chainsaws and heavy machinery hard at work filled Sikeston neighborhoods Tuesday as community members, families and aid groups worked to clean up the city.
“I couldn’t do it, you couldn’t see anything but a tree. It just split, I mean, came down and landed between my house and the other tree,” said community member Grace Brown.
Since Sunday’s storms, Brown and her daughter have been busy cutting down tree branches, covering her roof and clearing debris while trying to stay positive. Like Brown, many others in the community are cleaning up their own homes. That’s why those in the city’s public safety department said those cleaning must stay safe and alert.
“They have to make sure that the branches of the tree are not connected to the main tree… It’s that time of year, so beware of snakes. I don’t want anyone to get bitten by snakes, spiders, any kind of insects whatsoever,” said South Scott Assistant Principal Bobby Wallace.
It’s also important to note that trees aren’t the only things that can be found all over the city; so are high-voltage cables. Wallace said avoid them.
“Do not attempt to clean up the mess around it until the electric company comes and removes the broken power line,” he said.
It’s also important to stay hydrated while people clean their yards.
Despite seeing all the damage, Brown is happy to see her community working together to clean up.
“I feel like if you help your neighbors, they will help you too, and so if you reach out to them, maybe they will pay it forward,” Brown said.
Any branches or trees can be transported to the city’s compost site, which is open every day for the time being.
Sikeston still has a curfew from 8pm to 6am. The Red Cross has set up a shelter for people who still don’t have power at the Sikeston YMCA. They have about 40 cots and showers.
