Martin, Tom 1970-06-18
Tom Martin, Lubbock city public information officer in 1970, gives a vivid account of the events occurring during and after the May 11 tornado.
General Interview Information
Interviewee Name: Tom Martin
Additional Parties Recorded: None
Date: June 18, 1970
Location: Lubbock, Texas
Interviewer: Stan Valcik
Length: 50 minutes
Abstract
Tape 1, Side 1: Actions and events prior to tornado in Emergency,
Operations Center (EOC) reported,
Mentions weather conditions plotted on maps and equipment in EOC,
Events occurring in EOC at actual time of storm,
Describes reactions of himself and others immediately after the tornado,
Set-up of communication links described,
Comments on calls for ambulance service,
Recollection of people in EOC at time of tornado,
Discusses damage seen while driving through the city,
Mentions radio and TV stations still on the air after the tornado,
Transference of information from EOC to populace outlined,
Recalls formal declaration of emergency and curfew regulations,
Brief discussion of looting after tornado,
Discovery of extent of damage related.
Tape 1, Side 2: Continues discussion of extent of damage,
Describes emergency needs of city after the tornado,
Estimates return to normalcy,
Influx of news media and accuracy of outside reports discussed,
Possible changes for future disasters suggested.
Range Dates: 1970
Bulk Dates: 1970
Access Information
Original Recording Format:
Recording Format Notes:
Transcript:
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