Temporary trailers arrive in London for displaced tornado survivors

LONDON, Ky. (FOX 56) — On Wednesday, tornado survivors moved into temporary travel trailers at Levi Jackson Wilderness Road Park in London.

The campers are provided by the state to those who have been displaced because of the storms.

Seven families so far have made the transition. London Mayor Randall Weddle said there are more trailers on the way for others.

“One of our first concerns were where are we going to put individuals that we know were displaced because of the storms and we started coordinating with Gov. Beshear’s office,” he continued. “We said that’s a need [temporary homes] and they immediately started working on it and as the result of that, you see this out here now.”

The campgrounds can hold up to about 130 campers; as of now, there will be a total of 90 supplied for families.

Tina Carnes and her family and pets were among the first to move in.

Her family lost their home in the tornado; however, she said she is thankful they are all safe.

She said the level of support from officials and volunteers has made the transition process a bit easier.

“It’s cramped, I mean, just to have a big family in a tiny camper, but yeah, it’s a lot, but I mean, it’s better than not having anything, and I’m blessed beyond measure and I know this is just temporary and we will pull through it,” Carnes said.

Weddle said this time of recovery is about hope and staying together.

“One thing we’ve heard constantly is, ‘It starts local and it ends local,’ so if this is going to be built back, it has to be done by London and Laurel County,” Weddle said.

There is police patrolling the park area to ensure everyone and their belongings are safe.