WOYM – Gone With The Wind

Wheat's On Your Mind

Kansas Wheat Podcast Timestamps: Surviving a Tornado - The Story of Ken and Deb Wood (00:00:02) Introduction to the "Wheat's on Your Mind" podcast by Aaron Harries, featuring guests Ken and Deb Wood, who share their harrowing experience with a devastating tornado in Chapman, Kansas. (00:00:33) A detailed account of the tornado's impact, highlighting its EF four rating and the extensive damage it caused, including the near miss of Chapman town. (00:01:14) Ken and Deb Wood's farmstead, the epicenter of the tornado's worst damage, is introduced, along with their backgrounds in agriculture and community service. (00:01:41) Ken describes their farm operation and the state of their homestead just before the storm hit, painting a picture of their life prior to the disaster. (00:02:45) Deb recounts her day leading up to the tornado, her initial reactions, and the slow realization of the impending danger. (00:03:40) Ken shares his whereabouts during the tornado and his disbelief at the severity of the weather event. (00:05:26) The couple discusses their communication during the tornado, their concerns for their community, and the unexpected path of the tornado. (00:06:32) Deb's experience in the basement during the tornado, her preparations, and the moment of impact are vividly described. (00:08:24) The aftermath of the tornado is detailed, including the destruction of their brick house and Deb's survival in the basement. (00:10:05) The first responder's arrival and Deb's rescue from the debris are recounted, highlighting the community's quick response. (00:12:09) Ken's reaction to learning about the direct hit on their home and his frantic drive back, navigating through the chaos and destruction. (00:15:11) The couple's first moments together after the tornado, the realization of their loss, and the support from the community are shared. (00:17:10) Ken and Deb discuss the immediate aftermath, including seeing the tornado's damage on video and the decision to rebuild their lives. (00:20:09) The process of cleaning up the homestead and fields, and the challenges of starting over, are explored. (00:32:01) The impact on their farming operation, the loss of equipment, and the community's assistance in the recovery process are discussed. (00:37:29) Deb talks about rebuilding their home, the considerations they had, and the importance of having a safe room. (00:41:34) The couple shares lessons learned from the disaster, emphasizing the importance of preparedness and community support. (00:46:08) Ken reflects on the decision to retire from farming, the transition process, and the value of community and industry connections. (00:53:15) Closing remarks and gratitude expressed by Aaron Harries for Ken and Deb Wood's willingness to share their story. Kansas Wheat WheatsOnYorMind.com