ST. LOUIS – In the aftermath of the devastating tornado that ripped through north St. Louis, some of the hardest-hit families are now being told they have just 10 days to vacate their damaged homes. 

But residents say they’re confused, overwhelmed and left in the dark.

These red stickers are popping up on homes across the area—marking properties as unsafe and giving residents just ten days to leave before they’re condemned. 

“Help the people that need the help right now! You know, don’t add no extra stuff onto what we’re already going through! You know what I’m saying: we don’t need no extra! You know we need help,” said resident Minor Robinson.

Mayor Cara Spencer says the city is not trying to punish anyone but admits the air quality is a real concern.

“We want to assure you right now that it is not our intent, nor or we going to be punishing residents in any way shape or form for entering your property. We are in the process now of making those notices more clear to clearly articulate that our job and our intent. Our goal here is to inform the public,” Spencer said.

The city says they are working on clearer communication and plan to hand out pamphlets door-to-door. But for many, help still feels out of reach.