This is a public-interest archive. Personal data is pseudonymized and retained under GDPR Article 89.

[INDOOR-GARDENING:393] Re: "TORNADO DISASTERS IN KANSAS AND OKLAHOMA"

Dear Friends of the Glassehouse,

There are so many inquiries to us on the computer today regarding the storms 
here in Wichita, I thought it best to make one posting do it for all to save 
us some time.  The Glassehouse and its staff are fine, well and not injured 
or damaged in any way, thank heavens!  The tornados (there were two of them 
here -- nineteen in the state last night)  were terrible.  We had one, as 
many of you know, only a month ago just a mile from the greenhouses and now 
these, again.  One was just a mile and a half from the Glassehouse and where 
we live; however, it did not damage us except for mild breakage of limbs, 
foliage and outdoor flowers.  We give many thanks.

There were several deaths as you have seen on television and read in the 
papers and hundreds are without homes today.  The five huge hospitals here 
are packed even putting patients in the hallways.  We are closing for the 
week in order for our employees as well and ourselves, to assist those in 
need.  We spent some 8 or 9 hours today with our chain saws in the devastated 
areas, cutting limbs from homes and driveways and streets so emergency cars 
and trucks can get in.  Several of our rental properties were damaged and we 
have crews there working now.  Electricity and gas have been shut off in 
these areas.  The National Guard is helping to keep looters out.  We will 
work again tomorow and the remainder of the week to do what we can to help.  
I believe two families will be staying with Glassehouse staff and myself for 
the time being, as their homes were so badly damaged that they cannot live in 
them.  Several hotels and motels are opening up at no charge to help, also.  
The Red Cross and Salvation Army are doing a marvelous job helping so many.  
I stand in awe of these organizations as I watch them in action.  Helicopters 
are doing much, both here and in Oklahoma City, to fly out the injured where 
emergency trucks cannot drive in.  The devastation in Oklahoma City is much 
worse than Wichita.  Our weatherman here in Wichita, says the Oklahoma 
disaster is the worst in recorded history -- a number 5 on the scale of 
rating tornados.  The highest there is.  Several of our staff have relatives 
in Oklahoma City and as yet, don't know how they are.

Thank your for you many calls, faxes and e-mails.  We are fine.  Tired, 
stressed, but quite fine.  So you can rest easy.  I will spend the evening in 
the greenhouses watering and "checking things out," but all is well and we 
can handle a few dry pots much easier than we can a tornado.  Shipping will 
resume on Monday if all goes well.

Thank you again.  So many of you have been so very kind and interested in our 
well being.  We appreciate you just as we always have.  Plant people are the 
best!

Cordially,

Jim McKinney, McKinney's Glassehouse in Wichita, Kansas
Other Mailing lists | Author Index | Date Index | Subject Index | Thread Index