SAND SPRINGS, OK (KJRH) — Town and Country residents are heading back home Friday to survey the damage done by floodwaters that came up to some people’s roofs.
Neighbors like Alex Jones and Ariel McDonald are feeling shock and an overwhelming feeling brought by the task ahead. However, several groups are coming together to do what they can to help get started.
For many who returned home Friday, it was the first time they were able to stand inside their own living rooms in more than a week. Some who evacuated at the last minute went through everything that was in lower cabinets and storage. Almost everything under the water line in their homes was ruined.
Others got to work clearing out their water-damaged walls, and began assessing what they’re going to need to do to be able to live in their homes again.
Unfortunately for many, it could take months.
"My wife and I are both teachers, so luckily we have the summer off," Jones said, "but I feel like it’ll be an all-summer project to get it back to how it was.”
Tulsa Emergency Management is setting up dumpsters on every block Friday night. Saturday starting at 8 a.m., they will be joined by volunteers and other organizations who will be helping families take out furniture and begin the rebuilding process.
According to officials, there are 233 homes in the area, which house an estimated 600 people who have been affected by the flooding.
The Tulsa Area Emergency Management Agency (TAEMA) is still accepting volunteers to help clean up on the weekend of June 1-2. Volunteers can work any time from 8 a.m. to sunset.
According to Tulsa City Councilor Lori Decter Wright, "volunteers should show up wearing boots and heavy leather work gloves. Anyone who comes without these will be turned away."
More information from Councilor Wright is below:
"It’s strongly advised volunteers have tetanus shots prior to volunteering. Residents can receive tetanus shots on site from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday from the Tulsa Health Department.
"Cleanup efforts will start in affected homes beginning with interior item removal like furniture, bedding and other normal interior contents. Mud, muck and silt deposits will need to be shoveled out and thrown away. Then drywall, Sheetrock, insulation and any electric materials that were covered with water will need to be removed. Volunteers and homeowners will have to scrub, clean and bleach the homes. Once everything has been removed, the doors to the home will need to be left open for them to dry out and fans used if you have them.
"Interior debris will need to be moved out to the dumpsters, which will be provided. Any green waste will be taken to the City of Tulsa green waste site.
"Access to the neighborhood will be limited to residents, family, volunteers and first responders. Neighbors and volunteers need to be aware for heavy machinery in the area."
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