'Oklahomans Stick Together': Choctaw residents trying to rebuild after tornadoes
CHOCTAW, Okla. (KFOR) — The Choctaw community is now coming together after being dealt a devastating blow by mother nature.
Oklahoma Gas and Electric (OG&E) crews have been working around the clock, along with volunteers helping clean debris and fallen trees.
Steve Payne, a Choctaw resident, said "Oklahomans stick together, and we're doing all we can do."
Another neighbor, Alison Anderson said, "The community really got together and worked in the middle of the night in the rain, and we're helping each other."
Payne has lived in his Choctaw home for nearly 50 years.
"We built this house with our own hands," said Payne.
Anderson is an Air Force Veteran, reliving the moment the tornado touched down.
"It happened so fast, I really didn't have time to be scared until it was over," Anderson said.
Choctaw police says the city is working on power restoration with OG&E.
"This morning, the very first inspection was done so as soon as OG&E is ready and we hope that it's going to be within the day or so that home will have electricity," said Choctaw Police Chief, Kelly Marshall.
Chief Marshall also says they're getting a head start on clean-up.
"They'll be here tomorrow with the regular pick up of residential trash and so we are still working through when we can remove all the debris, but we'll make an announcement about that as well," said Chief Marshall.
Payne said the Choctaw community has been the light during this dark hour.
"We're heartbroken, but we're still here," Payne said.