Storm damage surpassed $1M, Keene officials say

Workers clear downed trees from Tanglewood Park Co-op in Keene on Wednesday, following a severe storm the night before.

Workers clear downed trees from Tanglewood Park Co-op in Keene on Wednesday, following a severe storm the night before. ETHAN WESTON—Keene Sentinel staff photo

By HUNTER OBERST

The Keene Sentinel

Published: 07-19-2024 10:04 AM

In the wake of Tuesday’s devastating storm that damaged homes and displaced residents in Keene, city officials estimated property damage exceeds $1 million.

The American Red Cross has already mobilized 10 volunteers to help affected residents, a spokesperson said Thursday afternoon. The agency’s preliminary damage reports indicate 12 homes in the city were either destroyed or sustained enough structural damage during the storm to be uninhabitable.

Relief efforts will continue into Friday, the spokesperson said.

“Our hearts go out to all our Northern New Englanders who have been devastated and displaced by these relentless disasters,” Stephanie Couturier, regional chief executive officer at Red Cross of Northern New England, said in a news release about the nonprofit’s response to disasters across the region.

The Red Cross sent a team to Keene Wednesday to survey the storm’s toll and to help those who were displaced, the organization said in a news release that night.

Tanglewood Park Co-Op, a manufactured housing community bordering Court Street and Maple Avenue, took the brunt of the damage. At least eight homes sustained major structural damage and dozens more had minor to moderate damage, the Keene Fire Department said.

Red Cross caseworkers will be available at the Tanglewood Co-Op office on 10 Sparrow St. on Friday from 1-7 p.m. to help those affected, according to the spokesperson. People can get help with immediate disaster-related needs, access financial assistance and receive referrals to disaster help, mental health resources and spiritual care services.

Snacks, water and comfort kits equipped with essential toiletries, blankets and teddy bears will also be available.

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The Keene Fire Department said in a news release Wednesday that it responded to 35 separate incidents in West Keene Tuesday night, with calls ranging from fallen trees on wires to partially collapsed homes. The department was aware of 15 residents who had been displaced.

Keene Mayor Jay Kahn commended the fire department’s and public works department’s response.

“It’s clear that there are spots in the city that experienced wind and storm-related damage of varying degrees,” he added. “... Clearly some homeowners suffered significant damage to their homes and hopefully they can recover by working with their insurance companies.”

Anyone who was displaced by the storm or seeking disaster-relief assistance can call 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767). All help Red Cross provides is free of charge.