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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 17, 2008 No. 08-058 STATE RESOURCES AVAILABLE TO RECENT TORNADO VICTIMS State and federal teams are beginning to conduct preliminary damage assessments
in Chapman and Manhattan this week. Kansas Division of Emergency Management is coordinating recovery efforts
by state and local agencies in Chapman and Manhattan, as well as in communities
impacted by severe storms and tornadoes that have pummeled the state for
several weeks. "Kansans are all too familiar with helping one another and rebuilding
together after tornadoes devastate communities," Governor Kathleen
Sebelius said. "I'm once again heartened by how quickly neighbors
come to the aid of their fellow Kansans, and how well state partners work
to help communities get back on track. Those Kansans who lost their lives,
sustained an injury or lost their homes and their businesses have our
thoughts, prayers and help. And we will be working with the affected communities
until the job is complete." "We're working closely with all of the local communities impacted by tornadoes and flooding to ensure resources are provided as quickly as needed," said Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, director of Kansas Emergency Management and the adjutant general. STATE RESOURCES AVAILABLE Kansas Social and Rehabilitation Services is providing emergency assistance
to meet individual's immediate needs and replacement food assistance benefits.
The SRS has staff in Chapman and Abilene at a "one stop shop"
set up by the Red Cross for agencies that are helping. These staff members
are also taking applications for assistance, issuing benefits based on
customer statement and postponing verification for three to six months.
Family service funds have been made available to purchase goods and services. The Kansas Department of Revenue has notified state driver’s license
offices and county treasurers to replace lost driver’s licenses/identification
cards at no cost. Licenses for Dickinson County residents can be picked
up at the county courthouse in Abilene free of charge. Vehicle investigators
are contacting car dealerships regarding vehicles that sustained damages. The Kansas Department of Transportation has a communications on wheels
vehicle in Chapman to assist with communication needs for first responders,
as well as a 1610 AM radio repeater. KDOT sent crews with two loaders,
three power brooms and three dump trucks to Chapman to assist with debris
removal. Other KDOT personnel worked through the night to replace traffic
signs. The Kansas Department of Administration is assisting Kansas State University
in preparing its insurance claim for damages sustained to the campus. The Kansas Department of Agriculture sent food safety inspectors to storm
sites to help food businesses determine whether food items should be destroyed.
The department also provided educational materials about food safety and
power loss, how to safely operate under a boil water advisory and provided
other guidance as needed to get food businesses back up and running. The Kansas Department on Aging is assisting Dickinson and Riley County
officials with issues regarding care homes. Chapman Valley Manor was undamaged
in the tornado, but did experience a lack of potable water. The Memorial
Hospital Long-Term Care Unit in Abilene picked up their laundry and drinking
water was available from other sources. The Area Agency on Aging office
was following up with seniors Thursday in Geary, Saline and Clay counties
and had staff dispatched with intake forms to the shelter in Riley County.
The North Central Flint Hills AAA has a meal center in Abilene which will
supply meals for seniors in the Dickinson County/Chapman area. They also
have a supply of shelf-stable meals for distribution, if necessary. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment is overseeing debris
removal and disposal, including hazardous household waste and asbestos-containing
materials. This includes providing guidance regarding the safe removal
of asbestos from structures, ensuring compliance with asbestos regulations
by providing consultant contact information to property owners, monitoring
ambient air for asbestos and other contaminants and providing respiratory
protection guidance to workers and responders as requested. KDHE personnel
are also providing technical assistance to waste facility operators and
guidance to local government on debris removal plan and financing. KDHE is also monitoring the disposal of spoiled food inventories at food
and lodging establishments. It is also inspecting and providing technical
assistance to mass feeding facilities and food service establishments
to ensure health and safety and help speed recovery. KDHE personnel are
assisting local health departments and hospitals with resource requests
and assisting with coordination among local health departments to ensure
an adequate supply of tetanus vaccine for workers and responders. KDHE issued a boil water advisory in Chapman to protect residents from
risk of waterborne diseases. The advisory was later rescinded when lab
testing confirmed the water system was safe. KDHE issued a stream advisory
for Smoky River due to loss of power to Chapman wastewater treatment plant.
It is providing technical assistance to plant operators so that normal
operations can resume. KDHE is also responding to requests for replacement vital records by
mail and by walk-in at the Topeka office. At such time a Disaster Recovery
Center is activated, this service will be provided there also. The Kansas Health Policy Agency has submitted a $30,000 request to the
Wellpoint Health Network to be donated to the Red Cross in the area. UniCare,
a subsidiary of Wellpoint, a private insurer that serves Medicaid beneficiaries,
has identified their members in the affected areas. KHPA has notified
business partners and providers in the affected areas to ensure no one
has issues with services and let them know that Out Of Network visits
will be paid. The Kansas Department of Commerce is preparing a Community Development Block Grant “urgent need” request and will be talking to community officials soon about how that works. CURFEW AND SECURITY A curfew is in effect in Chapman from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. daily until further
notice. Power in the city of Chapman is at 70 percent. The Kansas National Guard had soldiers in Chapman and Manhattan through
Saturday, June 14, providing security. KHP troopers assisted Chapman Police Department and Dickinson County
Sheriff’s Office with law enforcement patrols. Troopers are on 12-hour
rotations. Troopers also assisted Riley County law enforcement with police
calls and accidents in the Manhattan area. KHP is also assisting with
roving patrols and security in established perimeters. Kansas Wildlife and Parks had two Natural Resources officers on duty
in Chapman at the request of the local sheriff to assist with security. The Overland Park Police Department has sent three officers to assist with security in Chapman. VOLUNTEERS IN CHAPMAN AND MANHATTAN A volunteer reception area has been established in Chapman at the Kansas
Auto Racing Museum, 1205 Manor Drive. Volunteers are still needed. Anyone who has lost or found a pet in Chapman may contact Darlene Hobbs,
785-263-5021 or go to 6th and Marshall in Chapman -30- |
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