Senator Pederson Comments on Enid Tornado Damage

OKLAHOMA CITY – Senator Roland Pederson, R-Burlington, issued the following statement after a damaging tornado hit Enid Thursday evening, causing widespread destruction and numerous injuries. 

“First and foremost, I want to extend appreciation to the first responders who stepped into action immediately following the tornado to begin recovery efforts and worked through the night to ensure families were accounted for and received necessary medical attention. Further, I want to thank the linemen who also worked overnight to restore service to the community.

“As I travel the area and view the mass devastation, it is becoming increasingly apparent how fortunate we are that no lives were lost, as the damage is astounding. I am heartbroken for our neighbors in South Enid whose homes are entirely destroyed. Many of our fellow agriculturists have also experienced total losses of structures and equipment.

“Vance Air Force Base has also sustained damage, and collaboration will continue between our federal and state partners to restore utility services, make repairs, and ensure our servicemembers on the base have resources and assistance to recover.

“My thoughts and prayers are with our entire community, and especially those families who have been directly affected. The Enid Community, local leaders, Governor Stitt, and state officials have jumped into action to assist those in need, exemplifying the Oklahoma Standard. Our neighbors will continue to have our full support as they work to recover and rebuild. I am confident that, with the many helping hands lifting our neighbors up during this difficult time, our families, businesses, and community will come back even stronger.”

Pederson stated numerous state agencies are on scene to offer assistance. He also directed those in need of shelter to the American Red Cross site, which remains open at the Enid Chisholm Trail Expo Center at 111 W. Purdue Ave.

Oklahomans seeking non-emergency disaster or health and human service information should contact 2-1-1, which is available 24 hours a day. Residents are asked to call 911 only for emergencies as first responders continue recovery efforts following the mass casualty event.

Pederson also encouraged those affected to report damages to the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management at damage.ok.gov.

Pederson will continue surveying damage alongside Governor Stitt and other officials this afternoon. 

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For more information, contact: communications@oksenate.gov.