The Basketball Hall of Fame parking lot was being used as a staging area for dozens of ambulances and other emergency vehicles.
SPRINGFIELD – Local, state and federal officials said Thursday that cleanup efforts and security have moved into the “stabilization” phase in the aftermath of a devastating tornado, and urged the public to stay out of the hardest hit areas so as not to impede emergency personnel.
The update was provided just before noon in the parking lot of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, which was being used a staging area for dozens of ambulances and other emergency equipment including the state police mobile command unit.
“Springfield is a very resolute city,” Mayor Domenic J. Sarno said. “At adverse times, that’s when you see the character.”
As the press conference was concluding, various state and federal officials landed briefly by helicopter, in the midst of a tour of tornado damage in the region.
U.S. Sen. Scott Brown, R-Mass., said the helicopter tour stretched from Monson to Westfield.
“It was just devastating,” Brown said. “Sobering actually.”
He was joined by U.S. Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., Gov. Deval L. Patrick, and other state and federal officials.
Police Commissioner William J. Fitchet praised the “tremendous cooperation” received from the public and the cooperation and coordination conducted by all agencies including local and state police, the Fire Department and the National Guard.
Some people have been coming into the worst-hit neighborhoods to watch, which is causing some distractions to the emergency personnel on duty, Fitchet said.
“We ask that they stay out,” Fitchet said.
U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal said that damage assessments are continuing in advance of assistance.
Fire Commissioner Gary G. Cassanelli, who worked into the early morning hours, said the tornado and damage were "horrible."
Deputy Fire Chief Joseph Contant said there does not appear to be any missing persons in Springfield. There are various state and federal search teams and task forces that have conducted primary searches and are also conducting secondary searches.
Local officials said that after the initial emergency and triage responses, the emergency personnel are now involved in the stabilization phase which will be followed by the recovery phase.
Schools in Springfield will be closed on Friday, Sarno said.
Tower Square is providing emergency office space for businesses, and MassMutual Financial Group is donating $100,000 in assistance, Sarno said.
American Medical Response is conducting well-being checks, he said.
State Rep. Cheryl Coakley-Rivera, D-Springfield, and city councilors praised the efforts by all agencies.
Council President Jose F. Tosado and Councilors Kateri B. Walsh and Timothy Allen, were planning an afternoon tour of the South End, among the hardest hit areas.
Tosado said he is ready to call a City Council special meeting if requested by Sarno for any needed transfer of funds.