The Ottawa City Commission approved a local disaster declaration on April 15, two days after the tornado, and Franklin County approved one as well. City Attorney Blaine Finch said the declaration is the first step toward federal aid for cleanup costs. Governor Laura Kelly has also issued a state disaster emergency that covers Franklin County.

The city is now tallying the damage, from power poles and lines to homes and businesses. A total estimate could take several weeks.

For cleanup, the city is running several curbside debris pickups over the next couple of weeks. Residents can also haul storm debris to the county transfer station, where fees are waived through April 25. Let staff inside know the load is storm debris.

For details, see KOFO's reports on the city's declaration, storm debris pickup and both declarations.