Residents in Big Spring are recovering from a tornado that destroyed several homes.
We spoke with a family of four who survived the tornado by huddling together in their bathroom, where they were stuck for almost two hours after their home was destroyed.
“I was right under here most of the time, against the wall right here, it was not fun.” Said 10-year-old Logan Reed as he demonstrated where he along with his mother, father, and younger sister, took shelter next to the families toilet.
His father, Big Spring native Chanz Reed says his family had to act fast as their home was ripped to pieces from the powerful tornado winds.
“The roof started ripping off underneath the porch, and then we saw that the doors blew open, the winds pushed us back, we ran into the bathroom with our kids and got in there.” says Reed.
He says the saying, “The restroom is the safest part of your home.” This couldn’t have been more true as every room in the home was damaged. “Except for the hallway and the bathroom, there was a little bit of water dripping in on us in the bathroom but by that point I had a mattress over us and we were safe, but it was loud, it was crazy.”
He says his family is very thankful they made it out alive, and have been showered with offers for help from family and friends. He and family members spent most of the afternoon moving their valuables out of the home.
The tornado had Big Spring first responders like Fire Chief Tommy Sullivan picking up the pieces as well.
“We had a total of 13 different fire vehicles working last night and we ran over 16 calls in just a matter of a few hours.” Says Sullivan.
Calls like the one that destroyed the building next to his fire station
“An 18-wheeler came off the interstate service road and into this building behind me, and so with everything going on with all the chaos, we weren’t able to get it out until 1 a.m.. this morning.” Says Sullivan.
Tommy says with the threat of more severe weather he and his volunteer fire department are ready for whatever comes their way.
“Mother Nature she does what she wants to, and then we just have to deal with the aftermath.” Says Sullivan.
He urges Big Spring locals to have an emergency plan ready in the event of severe weather.
