Illinois

Kentucky | Tornado | Sit Rep 2

/ NW Fire Blog (TM)

DAY 2 | 12-11-2021 Saturday | 1255 PT

INCIDENT SUMMARY

Several widespread tornadoes have touched down in (American) States of Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Missouri and Tennessee, leaving devastation in many areas. Today’s post is being broken down to each impacted State due to the massive damage and resources for each area are being given.

This post is for the State of Kentucky only. See our other separate posts on each State: Arkansas, Missouri, Tennessee and Illinois.

Tornado Historical Fact | This (Tornado events) would be the DEADLIEST TORNADO since Joplin, Missouri in 2011. – Jefferson FD (GA).

May be an image of map and text
Credit | IN USAR TF1

STATE OF EMERGENCY DECLARED

  • KY Governor has declared a State of Emergency.
  • Some areas are under a curfew
  • National Guard will be activated
  • FEMA and US&R will be also on standby until deployed in assigned areas
  • Damage assessment to commence after SAR activities have been completed
  • Cleanup will take months
  • DO NOT SELF DEPLOY to Impacted areas
  • Presser: Gov states about 100 people are presumed killed and 70 dead, as First Responders continue to respond to the natural disaster throughout the State.

CURRENT NEEDS

Henderson

Police are collecting supplies to help the community TODAY at the Henderson Armory, located at 735 North Elm Street until 2000 hours tonight and from 0800 – 2000 hours on Sunday.

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Credit | City of Henderson Government

INCIDENT COOPERATORS

  • Indiana USAR Task Force #1 – They will act as a Type 3 US&R team for SAR Operations
  • Evansville / Vanderburgh County EMA
  • Henderson PD
  • Evansville PD
  • Kentucky State Troopers
  • Mercy Chefs
  • Blue Grass Energy
  • Madison County EMA

RESOURCES – ORGANIZATIONS

Horse Community

Our hearts are with our fellow Kentuckians who have been hard hit by the massive storms and tornadoes that ripped through the Commonwealth last night. As work to sift through the damage begins, we are reaching out to extension agents in the areas to see how we can assist. Are you a horse owner in an impacted area? Do you know a horse owner there? Please tell us what you need (now and in the coming weeks) — the ag and equine community are strong, and there’s no one better to have on your side when the going gets tough. Let us know how we can help. You can post here or email info@kentuckyhorse.org

Samaritan’s Purse

It was a night of horror for many as some 24 tornadoes and multiple storms swept through several states leaving a path of catastrophic destruction in many cities and communities. The total number of lives lost is not yet known. Join me in praying now for all those in the path of these storms and the many families left devastated. Samaritan’s Purse is sending teams today to assess needs in the hardest-hit areas.

How You Can Help

This news media outlet has all of the resources located in a single spot. Go to 89.3 WFPL here –> https://wfpl.org/heres-how-you-can-help-tornado-victims/?fbclid=IwAR1mU7acKOzy046eVDe8ZNvLMo-NGSl4gVvGQqIb2uY_CCqCAl6pkYGraAc

EKU Students

Words cannot express how devastated our Colonel Community is for those impacted by last night’s storms in Western Kentucky. Earlier today, I reached out to WKU President Timothy C. Caboni and offered EKU’s assistance to our Hilltopper brothers and sisters. Currently, our #EKU team is contacting our EKU students residing in West Kentucky who returned home for winter break to ensure their safety and see if they need assistance during this challenging time. (Source: EKU President David McFaddin Facebook Page)

East Bernstadt FD

The East Bernstadt Fire Department will be collecting items and sending them to Mayfield in the event of a tragic tornado that has taken place overnight. Multiple people from across the state reached out and helped us when the tornado struck in 2012 and we would like to return the favor. Items needed are as followed: TotesOutside yard tools household cleaning supplies.TarpsTarp straps**We will NOT be accepting water or clothes at this time**Items can be dropped off at the East Bernstadt Fire Department until 6 PM this evening. We will be going over tomorrow morning to drop items off. Feel free to call or text with any questions! 606-231-9382. (Source: Crossroads FD)

West Kentucky Relief Fund

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Credit | VFD

Woodford County is organizing a community-wide West Kentucky Disaster Relief effort in response to the severe storms and tragic tornado that has devastated many of our fellow Kentuckians. Woodford County Emergency Management Director Drew Chandler will be on the ground to serve as part of the incidence response team with other agencies across the state. Woodford EM is coordinating the deployment of local resources and personnel to the disaster zone. Woodford County, Versailles and Midway First Responders have pledged personnel and resources. We are partnering with the City of Versailles, City of Midway, the Woodford Public Schools, the Health Department, Emergency Management, EMS, Police, Fire, Sheriff, the Salvation Army, the Chamber, local businesses, other organizations, churches, citizens, and volunteers to centralize and coordinate the Woodford County West Kentucky Disaster Relief Effort. Our amazing community has graciously and generously offered to contribute in various ways. Debbie Tichenor of the Woodford County Salvation has confirmed that folks can donate funds to help the Salvation Army’s official efforts at: Give.helpsalvationarmy.org (Please note: Local Kettle Collections all remain in Woodford County)We are communicating with folks on the ground and we will have a list of needs, places to donate and contacts in the next few days. Stand by. Stay tuned for more information to come. We appreciate everyone’s desire to help out our fellow Kentuckians in need. United we stand. #WoodfordCares#WoodfordProud Our prayers continue to be with our brothers and sisters in West Kentucky and all those impact by this tragic disaster. (Source: Versailles FD)

DAMAGE ASSESSMENTS

City of Mayfield

Credit | JFD

A large tornado tore through Mayfield, KY which is 20-30 miles south of Illinois. There have been 50 confirmed deaths, largely around the Candy Factory in town. (Source: Jefferson FD)

Credit | Scott County FD

Words cannot describe the complete and utter devastation businesses, residents, infrastructure, and First responders are reeling from. (Source: Scott County Fire Department)

Mayfield Police

At this time, we are requesting non-essential personnel to stay off the roadways in the downtown Mayfield area, due to hazards, structure, and other safety concerns. Volunteers who wish to assist need to check in with Catalyst Church on Kings Drive. We have had a tremendous outpouring of support and volunteers ready to assist. We appreciate all of you!

Graves County Courthouse

The City of Mayfield took a direct hit and the Graves County Courthouse took the brunt of the tornado’s fury. The top photo is what it looked like BEFORE and the second photo is the AFTER image.

Credit | Evansville/Vanderburgh County EMA

Camera Feed

This Facebook link is provided by Ohio Valley Aerial. All Credit is theirs.

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=297602185461324

SCANNER FEEDS

(c) 2021 NW Fire Blog

Wicked Tornado WX Coverage | 1

/ NW Fire Blog (TM)

Tornadoes have touched down in multiple States (USA) this evening, causing building collapses, entrapping individuals, while wiping out other structures. We are on Wicked Tornado WX Coverage this evening and listing each State impacted.

Tornado Fact

Historic nocturnal tornado outbreak continues from eastern AR through IL and across northern KY. So many tornadoes it has been impossible to keep up. About to intercept next mode of tornadic storms in northeast AR. (Source: Reed Timmer/Accuweather)

ARKANSAS

Emergency Management

  • State EOC activated
  • Personnel watching weather
  • Monitoring damage assessment reports

Damage Reports

  • Bay – Area heavily damaged, debris on ground
  • Monette – Nursing home damaged
  • Trumann – EMS facility, nursing home and Fire Department Station impacted
  • Leachville – Unknown damage.

Road Closures

  • Hwy 55 – Closed due to overturned semis.

ILLINOIS

MCI – Amazon

  • Amazon Distribution/Fullfillment Center
  • 3000 block of Gateway Commerce Center, Evansville, IL
  • Built in 2016, Class A commercial building, 717,000 square feet w/1,003 parking spaces
  • Assessed value $32,264,460 (2020 assessment)
  • Collapsed structure with entrapment
  • SAR K9 teams working
  • Incident Cooperators: Edwardsville FD, St Clair Co Special Emegency Services, St. Louis FD, Glen Carbon FD and EMS, Mitchell FD, MABAS 45/68 Tech Rescue, Belleville FD, Wood River FD, Long Lake FD, Hamel FD and EMS, Swansea FD, Madison FD, Granite City, Wood River FD, Signal Hill FD, Fairview FD, Troy EMS, MedStar EMS, LifeStar EMS, Madison County Tech Rescue, St. Libory FD, Fairmont City Station (Station coverage for Madison FD), Springfield FD.
  • Heavy Equipment: Excavator.
  • Other Equipment: Light tower, Drone, SAR K9s.

Damage Reports

  • City of Gays – Direct hit to the City. Extensive large debris field had been detected on radar.

Scanner Feeds

KENTUCKY

TORNADO ALERTS, WARNINGS

  • 0045 CT | A confirmed damaging tornado is heading near Fort Campbell military base.

Weather Facts

  • The Tri-State tornado of 1925 traveled 219 miles. So far tonight’s tornado has traveled about 190 miles. If it stays on the ground past Madisonville (it likely will) and if is treated as a single tornado, then we will have a new record. (Source: Wx News Media)

Damage Assessments

  • Bowling Green | A tornado has touched down and a storm chase is reported seeing debris lifted to nearly 20,000 feet in elevation, 80 knots VROT, thinking this could be like a EF-3 tornado.
  • City of Mayfield – Direct hit, Graves County Courthouse mostly destroyed.
Credit | Evansville/Vanderburgh County EMA
  • KSP – Reporting significant damage. No deaths reported but loss of life expected.
  • Walmart Distribution Center – Fort Campbell, Reports of the Center filled with employees 24/7/365 may have taken a direct hit.

Incident Cooperators

  • KY State Patrol Post 1 has been activated and responding to severe tornado events that is spreading across several counties in the western portion of the State.

Scanner Feeds

MISSOURI

Damage Reports

  • East Central | Significant damage, unknown injuries
  • Southeast | same as above
  • Southwest | same as above

Scanner Feeds

TENNESSEE

REGIONAL INCIDENT COOPERATORS

Mercy Chefs

  • Will be responding starting on Sunday as they are needed.

(c) 2021 NW Fire Blog

Health Crisis | Coronavirus Spreads in US, Outside Areas

/ NW Fire Blog (TM)

The United States has confirmed and added a fifth infected person with the coronavirus that has killed at least 50 in China, where the virus was originally reported and now spreading inside our American borders.   There is a case reported in Sydney, Australia as well.

The virus, 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) is classified by the CDC (US Center for Disease Control), as an unidentified respiratory first discovered in Wuhan, Hebei Province, China.  Symptoms include: mild to severe respiratory illness with fever1, cough, and difficulty breathing.

“The virus probably originally emerged from an animal source but now seems to be spreading from person-to-person. It’s important to note that person-to-person spread can happen on a continuum. Some viruses are highly contagious (like measles), while other viruses are less so. It’s not clear yet how easily 2019-nCoV spreads from person-to-person. When person-to-person spread has occurred with MERS and SARS, it is thought to have happened mainly via respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes, similar to how influenza and other respiratory pathogens spread. Spread of MERS and SARS between people has generally occurred between close contacts.” – CDC

There are about 1,000 confirmed cases reported in China.

Five cases have been identified in Arizona, California, Illinois and Washington as of January 26, 2020.

The CDC provides a list of Q&A regarding this dangerous virus.  You can visit their site and read up on how to protect yourself. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/prevention-treatment.html

These patients recently traveled to China.

Health organizations are saying that the general public is not in harm’s way and those that have been infected are being treated.  Their conditions are improving and are being treated in a confined area.

We will provide additional details as they are received.

(c) 2020 NW Fire Blog – 1810 hours PST

FDA PRODUCT RECALL: Mars Theater Chocolate due to Undeclared Peanut Butter

/ NW Fire Blog (TM)

Contact
Consumer:
1-800-627-7852

Media:
1-973-691-3536

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – September 19, 2014 – Today, Mars Chocolate North America announced a voluntary recall of its M&M’S® Brand Theater Box 3.40 oz UPC #40000294764 with the following lot numbers:

See Website for Lot #s:  http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm415490.htm

Outside carton label, Milk Chocolate M&M's 3.40 oz

This theater box item within these lot codes may contain product containing peanut butter without listing on the ingredient label on the outside cardboard box.  The inside package is correctly labelled with ingredients and allergy information.

People who have allergies to peanuts run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if their theater box contains an inner M&Ms Brand Peanut Butter bag and they consume the product.  No adverse reactions have been reported to date.

iOutside carton image of side panel label -- Milk Chocolate M&M’s 3.40 oz

The issue was identified after a consumer notifed us of a M&M’S® Brand Peanut Butter package containing peanut butter M&M’S® inside a M&M’S® Brand Milk Chocolate Theater Box.

These specific lot codes were shipped and distributed to our customers’ warehouses between May 8 and July 1, 2014, located in:  NC, TX, MN, IL, FL, KY, MS, AZ, GA, AI, CA NJ, PA, WA NY, CO, MO, MI, NH, CT, TN, MD, SC, OH, ME, VA, RI, WI, WV, IA, LA, OK, MA, NE, OK, AR, VT, ID and IN .   These customers then redistribute products for retail sale nationwide.

The M&M’S® Brand Milk Chocolate Theater Box comes in a 3.40 oz brown, 3 inch x 6.5 inch cardboard box  stamped on the right-hand side panel with the lot number and best before date.

Potential inside package -label - Peanut Butter M&M's 3.20 oz

Mars Chocolate will work with retail customers to ensure that the recalled product is not on store shelves.  In the event that consumers believe they have purchased this item and have allergy concerns, they should return this product to the store where they purchased it for a full refund.  Consumers with questions or concerns may call our toll-free number:   1-800-627-7852. This number will be operational Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm (EST).

Source: FDA.gov

2014 The NW Fire Blog