If you are from the United States, especially a Southern state, you probably know that in May 2013, Central Oklahoma experienced some very catastrophic events: tornadoes hit a highly populated city, children were trapped in schools and lost their lives, families were displaced without food, water, clothing, and shelter, and the damage to not only their peoperties and belongings but to their lives as a whole was impacted. Forever. In a matter of sixteen (16) minutes, three toenadoes in May 2013 took an entire city. The number of fatalities is unreal. The number of broken hearts, homes, and families are still in our prayers today. Two years later. Two years later, these people are still trying to rebuild their lives. Homes, cars, pets, children, paremrs, grandparents, siblings, careers, well-being. All of those things were stolen in 16 minutes. Even though these people are still rebuilding, the weather in Oklahoma is ruthless and doesn't stop. The tornadoes don't stop so these people can rebuild. Yesterday, May 6, 2015, the weather was ruthless. The state's capitol City and surrounding cities and rural towns saw record-breaking flooding, 50 tornadoes throughout the state are confirmed as touching down for any period of time, and many, many people lost their homes and their cars and their personal effects. A family's home, which had been in that family for nearly 70 years, was all but demolished southwest of the Capitol. Those people had nowhere to go, either temporarily or even for a night. Last night, they were ledt to deal with their loss in the backseat of their now undriveable car. They had no food, water, shelter from the three storm systems that followed the one that impacted their lives like this. 20,000 Oklahomans were without power for several hours and some still are. Some Oklahomans lost their homes, cars, and careers last night. Almost immediately after the first rounds of severe weather, emergency medical and police authorities were out searching for people and surveying the loss. Thankfully, no fatalities have been reported as of yet. The American Red Cross set up shop the closest they could to these areas devestated, but their supplies are linited, as well as their volunteers and support. As these tornadoes were touching down early yesterday afternoon into late last night, the Governor was waiting. She knew she'd have to get out and get her hands dirty. And she did. In addition to offering her physical and financial support to these areas, she has officially declared the state of Oklahoma a state im an emergency situation. May 6th isn't the worst of it for us Okiesz though. The rain, severe weather, tornadoes, and loss are expected to continue into early Monday morning. Im.not asking you to donate your money. Im not sking you to donate your cars or for you to fly here and lend a hand. Im asking you to donate the basic life-sustaining items to the American Red Cross in Oklahoma. Non-perishable foods, water, blankets, batteries, flashlights, candles, cheap toys for children, any clothing you were going to throw away, or put in that garage sale. Any of these items help. The address for the Red Cross in Oklahoma can be found on their Website. If you want to read more about the May 2013 tornadoes, use a search engine and they will be the first 4 pages of results, all of which are accurate. If you want to read about May 6, 2015's loss and tornadoes, use a search engine, find Oklahoma News Channels. The loss is real. And we need help from outside sources in the state of Oklahoma today. As I states before, the floods, tornadoes, severe weather storm systems, and loss is expected for the remainder of this week, into the early morning hours of Monday. If you do nothing else, even a comment on this thread can lift spirits. To anybody who does choose to donate, I thank you, and I know the residents of this state will thank you everyday.
I live in Oklahoma but am in school right now. Luckily, I did not get the floods. Since I have no tv in my room, I do not know what happened. What areas were affected? I go home to the city tomorrow. Perhaps I can help pitch in over the weekend with my leftover stuff.
Im not sure whether Im suppose to say specific cities, but at this point, that's not important. And nobody here knows my location anyways. Southeast Oklahoma City/Del City had the most significant damage. North Norman and South Moore had some damage. Bridge Creek was flattened. Blanchard was hit. Shawnee was hit. Those are the areas with the most damage and that are in the biggest need for donations and volunteers. Gov. Fallin is going out today to survey and continue volunteering her time to disaster relief.
A young mother in Bridge Creek's home was flattened. Her daughter's toys, clothes, food stuffs, and memories were lost. Her family, along with many others in that area, have set up donation jars and accounts for their family specifically.
Don't forget that if you can make time to give blood do so. It helps ppl who are hurt badly & need it. Think I'll end up stopping by mine bcuz I live near one. Its been awhile.
Surprising to see such a well put together thread that is not begging ATA to donate to their cause :3 very nice!
I just visited Oklahoma and the Carolinas a few weeks back.? The families who had to deal with the tornadoes, floods, etc will be in my prayers.
Thanks, everybody! UPDATE: More severe storms hit Texas and Oklahoma Thursdayy, causing more damage and flooding in both states. Donating blood helps, too. It saves lives just as much as the much-needed items. We are suppose to be getting very severe storms today (Friday), and the tornado risk is high, with the likelihood of damaging winds and hail. Thursday was moderate. As of now, one death has been confirmed from Wednesday's tornados. She left behind five children.
I support supporting the Red Cross and donating blood. I have lived in tornado alley my whole life. I don't mean to sound insensitive, but this stuff happens every spring. What is important to help you survive a tornado: -During severe weather, stay tuned to the local news or use a KNOW weather radio -If a tornado warning is issued for your area, do take the warning seriously. It is very likely a tornado will not be visible because of rain, hail, or debris clouds. -Good places to take cover if you do not have a storm shelter include closets, bath tubs, and stairwells. Get to the bottom floor of the building, and stay away from windows! -Do not try to out run a tornado in your car, they are very unpredictable, and a car is the most dangerous place to be during a tornado. Seek shelter in a nearby sturdy building or lay in a ditch and put your hands over your head (obviously last resort here). -Taking shelter under overpasses is also dangerous. The strong winds of a tornado creates a wind tunnel effect. Also cars blocking overpasses prevents emergency vehicles from being able to reach those in need. Stay safe! And good luck Okies?
Stella, It is no longer safe to get in a ditch if you are stuck in a highway. An entire family of 6 lost their lives in 2013 because they thought it was safe to get in a ditch. They drowned. Everything else is accurate, though. The News channels here are very good about making sure to repeat themselves a thousand times about the things to do during a severe weather storm or tornado. I didn't think you sounded insensitive at all. You are obviously alive and well, even after living in tornado alley your entire life.