Monday was a devastating day for Oklahoma, especially those that live in Moore. An EF5 tornado came down and wiped out a good chunk of Central Oklahoma, just south of OKC. Since it was Monday, I was working in Oklahoma City. I work just on the southwest side of the metro, just north of the airport. It was a really pretty day and the storms that the weatherman reported seemed unlikely. Well, until 2pm. All of a sudden it was pitch dark outside and hailing. There was a huge wall cloud just outside our window. This was the first wave. The second was coming and it was worse. So we all got on the computer to check the radar and listen to the report on our phones. They said that it could be a supercell and looked like it was heading for the airport. Since we are just north of the airport, the president of our company called everyone to go downstairs. We were all just waiting, listening to the radio report. It seemed to have touched down just a few miles south of us but was heading straight east. They concluded that everyone that lived north (me) should head home in case another one develops near the office.
As I headed home I was listening to the report and I could hear the fear in their voice. They kept comparing this storm to the deadly storm back in May of 1999. They were warning the people of Moore to get in their storm shelter and if they didn't have one then they needed to get out of town. By the time I got home it was blue skies and sunny. After my 30 minute commute, the tornado was still on the ground and didn't show signs of slowing down. This tornado was on the ground for about 45 minutes traveling about 20 mph and had winds up to 200 mph. Neighborhoods were destroyed, Businesses were destroyed, 2 elementary schools were destroyed and many lives were taken.
It was devastating. Peoples homes, their every posession were gone.
The community of Oklahoma City and surrounding towns are amazing. There is no shortage on those willing to help and donate anything they can. Although I am not from Oklahoma, I got married there and work there and I am proud of those Okies. People are donating land for any horses or cattle that need a place to go. Companies are offering to put people up in hotels. People like my dad are waking up early to work a tele-thon to take donations from 4-7 am and then go to work for another 10 hours. It is simply amazing.
Not only are Okies willing to help, but people from all over the world are wanting to help or donate. Aggie softball played in Oklahoma today and yesterday they brought up a bus of supplies from people in College Station (non-A&M gear I might add). Some of my co-workers experienced damage so my company is collecting items for them and other relief organizations. I went to Walmart to get some supplies to drop off since I won't be back until the next week. They are in need of anything but especially water, toiletries, work gloves, diapers, formula, baby wipes and anybody willing to to give blood.
The company I work for
Candid Color Systems, a professional printing company has offered to collect all photographs found in the rubble of the tornado and they will scan each image and put them into a online depository for the owners to go to and find their images so they can get them back. This is an amazing idea and I am so proud to work for a company that wants to help the community in any way possible. PLEASE PLEASE spread the word!
If you aren't in the area and would like to help you can still be involved.
Text REDCROSS to 90999 to make an easy $10 or visit the American RedCross Donation Page.
Other ways to help:
The Vintage Pearl has the cutest handstamped jewelry and they are donating 100% of each Oklahoma state necklace sold will go to American Red Cross Disaster Relief for the victims of the Moore Tornado. *My Personal Favorite*
Jewelry Nut Auctions has made some sweet shirts that they are donating 100% of each shirt sold to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief.
Micah Smith has made t-shirts that feature "We are OK" and the outline of Oklahoma on the front. All proceeds are going towards the American Red Cross Disaster Relief.
All these and many more companies have products that you can order and the proceeds will go towards the American Red Cross Disaster Relief. There is a way for anyone to help no matter where you live.
