Here’s how, where you can get help if you were affected by the tornado in Andover
READ MORE
Tornado cuts through Sedgwick County and Andover, Kansas
An EF-3 tornado touched down in south-central Kansas on April 29, 2022, leaving damage in its wake, but few injuries. Residents in the Wichita area, Andover and Sedgwick and Butler counties are picking up the pieces.
Expand All
These organizations and resources are available to help those who were affected by a tornado that destroyed buildings in Andover and southeastern Sedgwick County on Friday, April 29.
This list will be updated as more resources are found. Please send suggestions to Edcastillo@wichitaeagle.com or call 316-268-6213.
Basic needs
▪ United Way of the Plains will be at the Andover Community Center, 1008 E 13th St., daily through Friday, May 6, along with several other non-profits to provide water, snacks and non-perishable food items. Residents are encouraged to stop by the center to let volunteers know what else they might need.
You can call 211 for assistance with shelter, basic needs or volunteers to help clean up damage from the tornado. You can also text your ZIP code to 898-211 to get more information on help.
▪ Healing Waters medical spa in Wichita is offering their locker rooms at no cost for anyone who needs a shower. Individual and family showers are available.
Each shower must be booked. To schedule one, call 316-262-2995 or email admin@healingwaterslife.com
Mental health
▪ South Central Mental Health has set up a crisis line for anyone wanting support after the tornado.
Those wanting to speak with someone are encouraged to call 316-733-5047. The organization says support is available from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Thursday, and from 8 a.m. to noon on Friday.
A national crisis line is available around the clock. That number is 1-855-773-6686. You can also text the hotline at 741741.
▪ Friends University in Wichita is sponsoring two free webinars for anyone experiencing trauma after the tornado.
“Helping Children Feel Safe Again after a Tornado” will be held over Zoom from noon to 1 p.m. Friday, May 6. Zoom link: https://friendsu.zoom.us/j/92397808593
“Recognizing Post Tornado Stress and Trauma,” will be held from noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 11. Zoom link: https://friendsu.zoom.us/j/97109288578?pwd=OUZMN09oVUp0RzhnZGxIK3RRQ1gvZz09
Important documents
Replacement fees will be waived for birth certificates, marriage certificates and vehicle registrations of residents affected by the tornado. The Kansas Department of Revenue also will waive fees tied to the reprint or replacement of vehicle registration documentation, printed vehicle certificate of titles, driver’s licenses and identification cards.
Cleanup help
If you need assistance with clearing damage or debris, call 211. United Way will connect you with volunteers who can help.
Retrieving lost items, pets
▪ The Andover Police Department has set up a recovery site for items displaced after the tornado. The site is at 909 N. Andover Road. Those searching for their items can check the site by waiting in the parking lot and calling 316-733-5177, Ext. 0. An officer will provide assistance.
▪ Displaced animals will be taken to Countryside Pet Clinic. The number for the clinic is 316-733-8433.
Miscellaneous
Vision Care Direct is offering to buy those who lost their prescription glasses in the tornado a new pair. Call 877-488-8900 or visit their office at 405 S. Holland in Wichita.
This story was originally published May 3, 2022 at 6:21 PM.
