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Adair County Sheriff issues a statement concerning the tornado in Greenfield

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May 22nd, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Greenfield, Iowa) – Adair County Sheriff Jeff Vandewater today (Wednesday), issued a statement with regard to the tornado that devastated the community of Greenfield, Tuesday afternoon.
“First and foremost, please keep all those affected by the tornado that struck parts of rural Adair County and Greenfield in your thoughts and prayers. The damage is almost unimaginable in some areas.
“The big takeaway for daybreak in a few hours will be the need to get credentialed to more easily enter into the Greenfield City limits. We understand that so many of you want to help, but there has to be a vetting process in situations such as these. The credentialing will take place at the Iowa D.O.T. Maintenance shed located at 2313 State Highway 92, which is just east of Greenfield. This will start around 9 AM on Wednesday May 22nd. I believe a large red Hy-Vee semi trailer will be the hub for the credentialing, so look for it.”

A food and water drop off location has been set up at the Department of Transportation (DOT) Facility located east of Greenfield. The address is 2313 Highway 92. Additional details with regard to cleanup and volunteer efforts are forthcoming. Sheriff Vandewater says the personnel “and resources of the State of Iowa have been unbelievable.” On that note, he said, “there are State Troopers at most entrance[s] to Greenfield. An Emergency Proclamation has been enacted by the City of Greenfield limiting access between the hours of 10 P.M. to 7 A.M. After 7 A.M., if you approach a check point, you will need identification showing a Greenfield address or I believe you should have a specific location that you are enroute to AND be prepared to call someone at the address you are enroute to for verification.

“In speaking with those who responded to the tornado struck towns in western Iowa earlier this spring, these steps are needed to prevent a tremendous amount of nonessential people from slowing down the progress of those who are essential to the clean up, especially utility crews trying to restore power to the City.
“Lives have been lost and many will be forever altered. Thus far, I’ve seen nothing but absolute cooperation between everyone…..everyone of all walks of life from the homeowner, a concerned citizen or a volunteer fireman from three counties away. In the coming days, be patient and compassionate with one another and we will get through this TOGETHER.”