SIKESTON, Mo. — Mayor Greg Turnbow requested only patience from community members Tuesday morning as they work to assess all of the damage in the area.
“Our main concern right now is to get the power and access to the neighborhoods and then once we get that we’ll be able to go further, and answer more questions,” Turnbow said.
Acting state Gov. Mike Kehoe, along with the state emergency management agency, also joined the mayor to address community concerns. They are traveling southeast Missouri to assess storm damage and learn what state resources may be needed. City leaders say about 30% of those in Sikeston alone are without power.
The noise of chainsaws buzzing and heavy machinery hard at work filled Sikeston neighborhoods Tuesday as community members, families and relief groups worked to clean up the city.
“I couldn’t, you couldn’t see nothing but tree. It’s just, it had split, I mean, come down and landed in between my house and the other tree,” said community member Grace Brown.
Since Sunday’s storms, Brown and her daughter have been busy cutting tree limbs, tarping her roof and clearing debris all while trying to stay positive. Like Brown, many others in the community are cleaning up their homes themselves. That’s why those with the city’s department of public safety said those cleaning need to stay safe and alert.
“They should make sure that the tree branches aren’t connected to the main tree… It’s the time of the year so look out for snakes. I don’t want anybody getting bitten by snakes, spiders, any type of insects,” said South Scott Assistant Director Bobby Wallace.
It’s also important to note that trees are not the only things down throughout the city — power lines are too. Wallace said avoid them.
“Don’t try to clean the mess up around it until the electrical company has come through and removed the downed power line,” he said.
It’s also important to stay hydrated as people work to clean their yards.
Despite seeing all the damage, Brown is happy to see her community working to clean together.
“I feel like if you help your neighbors, they’re going to help you, and so if you’re reaching out to them, maybe they will pay it forward,” said Brown.
Any limbs or tree can be hauled off to the city’s compost site that, for now, is open every day.
Sikeston still remains under curfew starting at 8 p.m. through 6 a.m. Red Cross has set up a shelter for those still without power at the Sikeston YMCA. They have about 40 cots and showers.
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