Western Massachusetts will be receiving help from state and federal agencies as local crews work tirelessly in the wake of the tornadoes that devastated much of the area Wednesday. Watch video
June 1, 2011 - Springfield - Republican staff photo by Michael S. Gordon - An 11:00 pm press conference at the Raymond Sullivan Safety complex of the Springfield Fire Department Wednesday following a series of tornadoes in the area, state, city and federal officials spoke about the disaster. From left, Massachusett Lt. Gov. Timothy P. Murray, U. S. Sen. John F. Kerry, D-Mass., Gov. Deval Patrick and Springfield Mayor Domenic J. Sarno.SPRINGFIELD - Western Massachusetts will be receiving help from state and federal agencies as local crews work tirelessly in the wake of the tornadoes that devastated much of the area Wednesday.
At a press conference held at the city's Emergency Preparedness Center on Carew Street Wednesday evening, local officials were joined by Gov. Deval Patrick and Sen. John Kerry, who both assured Western Massachusetts that help in on the streets and more is on the way.
Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno confirmed that more than 40 people have been hospitalized due to injuries sustained in the tornadoes, and Gov. Patrick said that there were four fatalities, two of which have been confirmed by The Republican and MassLive.com.
"This basically started out in West Springfield, moved over the bridge and really has done a devastating job on our South End. Then it went over to East Forest Park and Sixteen Acres,” Sarno said. "We were hit again in the Indian Orchard area and are still trying to confirm if we were hit another time."
Many schools in areas affected by the tornadoes are closed on Thursday and Sarno has dismissed all non-essential city employees from their duties for the day.
A 'UNIFIED RESPONSE'
Sen. Kerry expressed his condolences to the families affected and assured that the victims will be served by a "unified response."
"When I first talked to the governor when he was in the bunker in Framingham and he was with officials from the Federal Emergency Management Administration. Emergency teams have been activated and are on their way from Framingham and Vermont” Sen Kerry said. “With 19 communities affected, given what we're hearing about the damage, I can't imagine that we will not be federal assistance. I'm confident that assessment will be made in record time so we can help the community bounce back."
Patrick said the National Guard has been activated and that crews will be coming into the area through the night to help out in any way they can.
"We have called out the National Guard and there will be up to 1,000 guards fully deployed by 6 a.m. tomorrow. They will be mustering at the Armory on Roosevelt Avenue," Gov. Patrick said. "We are expecting also to make available aircraft to do assessments throughout the region tomorrow. In the meantime, we are asking people to stay off the roads and out of harms way. There are power lines down and trees all over."
WORKING TO ENSURE PUBLIC SAFETY
More than 15,000 people were without power early Thursday morning as Western Massachusetts Electric Company crews from around the region worked to first ensure safety, then to restore service.
Crews with Columbia Gas were also dispatched across the area as reports of natural gas leaks flooded in Wednesday into Thursday morning.
Both utility companies have requested assistance from other crews around the region and are working to restore service over the next several days.
Springfield Police Commissioner William Fitchett assured residents that his officers are working with state police to keep the streets safe.
"The city has arms around this crisis," Fitchett said. "Police have orders to do house-by-house searches to make sure people are safe. We will assess damage further in the morning as many side streets are inaccessible. We are asking citizens to use common sense and not go out unless it’s absolutely necessary."
Any suspected gas leaks or immediate electrical emergencies should be relayed through 911 while residents wishing to report downed trees should use the city's 311 service.
Since the structural integrity of many buildings has been compromised, Springfield Building Commissioner Steven Desilets has assembled teams to hit the streets and get a grasp on which buildings are safe and setting up emergency demolitions for those which are not.
HELPING YOUR NEIGHBORS
An emergency shelter was set up at the MassMutual Center on Wednesday to care for more than 250 locals seeking refuge.
Helen R. Caulton-Harris, the city's commissioner of human services, said anyone in need will be taken care of in the wake of the disaster.
"While many people in the shelter want to go home to assess damage to their house, we are asking them to stay until an assessment can be done in the daylight," She said. "We are providing a safe, comfortable place to have a hot meal and get the services they need. If anyone out there needs help, they should come to the MassMutual Center."
Pets of the displaced are being cared for at the Thomas J. O'Conner Animal Control Shelter and the Disaster Animal Relief Team is on the streets helping any animals in need of care.
A LOOK AT THE DESTRUCTION
Sen. Kerry said that Congressman Richard Neal will be arriving in the area Thursday morning as they along with Gov. Patrick and local officials work to assess the damage.
Sarno said he will not "spare a dime" from the city's budget to make sure the City of Firsts bounces back from this disaster.
"This has been a trying time but also a time of coordination and heroic efforts. We are all in this together," Sarno said. "I give you my word, the city of Springfield is resolute and we will move forward with rebuilding this city. Many a times in adversity, that's when character shines. Springfield is full of character."
Sen. Kerry said he has seen similar natural disasters across the country and that the response from agencies across Western Massachusetts has been among the best.
"The response has been coordinated and impressive. My sense is that everything that can be done is being done right now," Sen. Kerry said. "This is probably a once in a hundred years weather event and we've been hit with these across the county. I'm confident with the response I've seen tonight."