Busy Weekend Ahead For Storm Victims

By Craig Day, The News On 6

COWETA, OK -- The National Weather Service now says seven tornados touched down in the Tulsa area Thursday morning. Those twisters had winds between 111 and 135 miles per hour. 

5/14/2010 Related Story: National Weather Service Confirms Seven Tulsa Area Tornadoes Thursday

This weekend will be a busy one for storm victims, who face many more days of hard work.

When someone is surrounded by damage and there is so much work still to do, luck may not be the first thought that comes to mind. But take it from Coweta storm victim Jason Garman. Despite the tornado that leveled his shop, he says he is lucky.

"You bet. I had four kids and a wife in the house and they're all safe, so this is all replaceable out here," said Garman.

Along with being lucky, he says he's also thankful that his home was spared and he's grateful for so many people willing to lend a hand to a fellow Oklahoman in need.

"It's amazing how people come together. I've had people over here I don't even know, never met," said Garman.

The same type of cleanup is happening at dozens of homes and businesses across Oklahoma. Two rounds of tornados, in just four days, took a terrible toll, but they aren't wiping out the resiliency of many Oklahomans.

5/14/2010  Related Story: Tulsa Cleanup Crews Hard At Work After Thursday's Storm

In Beggs in Okmulgee County, two tornados, along with strong winds up to 100 miles per hour, caused damage in the county. 

The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management will be in Okmulgee County Sunday to examine the damage to see what could qualify for help from FEMA, the Department of Agriculture or the Small Business Administration.

Anyone with storm damage in Okmulgee County, who suffered damage to their home, is urged to contact the Okmulgee County Office of Emergency Management at 918-759-9984, between eight Sunday morning and noon.