MARSHFIELD – Recovery efforts following last week’s tornadoes continue in Webster County, where it is estimated that more than 50 homes were destroyed, and hundreds more sustained damage. One fatality resulted from the storm outbreak. A multitude of outbuildings, barns, well houses, fencing, shops, vehicles and other buildings were also damaged or destroyed, with dollar estimates yet to be determined.
“It will be probably be impossible to ever determine the exact amount of damages to homes and property from this event,” said Presiding Commissioner Paul Ipock. “With six confirmed tornadoes, and also flooding and straight-line wind damage, the damage was extensive. Not everyone will report damages to the Emergency Management Office, so we simply won’t be able to determine the exact dollar amount of damages to private property that did occur.
“Needless to say, damages will be in the several million dollar range,” Ipock continued. “This was a major disaster for Webster County and its citizenry.”
Public damage estimates – which include damages to roads and bridges, Ozark Correctional Center, emergency service communication equipment, electric systems, and costs affiliated with emergency response – have been estimated at $1.6 million.
Dumpsters for tornado debris have been placed at three locations in the County: Lazy Acres and Patterson Road, Quarry Lane, and Highway HH and Swaying Oaks Drive. Additional dumpsters are located at the Webster County Road Shed, 1106 S. White Oak in Marshfield, with appliances and vegetative debris also being accepted at this location.
The Webster County Emergency Management Office is requesting that individuals that have property damage – regardless of severity or insurance coverage – report it by calling its office at (417) 859-7959. This will help the office in determining damage paths.
“We need to know where any damage occurred – even the smallest of damages,” Ipock said.
All reports of damage will also be turned over to County Assessor Jim Jones for property tax valuations.
“We conduct field reviews throughout the year,” Jones said. “However, damages not physically observed by reviewers cannot be taken into consideration when 2009 property valuations are determined this year. Reporting damages will assist our office in determining actual values for 2009 tax assessments, which are determined in the 2008 calendar year. It is extremely important that we know if damages occurred – even if they have been repaired.”
Any damaged or missing road signs should also be reported to the Emergency Management Office. These reports will be turned over to the Webster County 911 Administrative Services Office for sign replacement.
Webster County Emergency Management has a variety of donated products on hand to help those affected, ranging from gloves and rakes to clean-up supplies to water, food and personal hygiene and comfort products. Call (417) 859-7959 for more information.
At this time, monetary donations are being requested to help those affected by this disaster. All money donated will be used exclusively for victim assistance. Checks should be made payable to the Webster County Food Pantry, a not-for-profit entity, with “LRTC Jan. 2008 Tornado” noted in the memo line of checks. Checks should be mailed to the Webster County Long Term Recovery Committee, Attn. Jerry Nehl, P.O. Box 390, Marshfield, MO 65706.
The Community Thift Store is accepting donations of clothing, household and garage items, beds, and other items; call (417) 468-6742 for more information. A virtual warehouse has been established for donations of larger items, such as furniture and appliances. Persons wishing to donate such items may call (417) 859-7959, and donors will be called if victims needing these items are identified.
“It is very important to note that no assistance through FEMA has been approved for either individuals or government agencies at this time,” Ipock said. “If a contractor or anyone else tells you that this assistance is available now, it is important to immediately report it to law enforcement officials.”
