After both rounds of the storm had passed, the region was devastated.  Flooding and downed power lines and trees were everywhere. Roads were impassable.  Luckily and thankfully, through all the property destruction this storm system caused, there was only one life lost. As of Saturday afternoon, two of the four major area hospitals had reported only 23 storm related injuries.  Some were due to electrical burns and injuries sustained while attempting to cut tree limbs from cars and homes.  The amount of property damage was staggering.  A friend of mine who lives at the edge of the woods, had twenty trees fall in her yard alone.  Some lost parts of their roof or garage, others lost cars.  Many local businesses suffered damages as well.  A local car dealer had a huge sign with scrolling message board that was ripped apart and dropped on a row of brand new Nissana.

The region came together almost immediately, neighbors helping neighbors, radio stations broadcasting nothing but helpful information for storm victims. We made it through a rough situation but the truth is, it could have been worse. It could have been much worse.  We, as a region are thankful for what we did not have to sustain. We have warnings and radar and we have the ability to know when a storm of such magnitude is coming and hopefully prevent the loss of life we have seen in years past.  The message this storm carried is not one of loss or hopelessness. It carried a message of thankfulness.  Count your blessings everyday for what you have and what you've been given, don't just fret over what you lack. That is the story I want to tell.

What if a storm hits? What should one do to stay safe? Here are a few tips to help keep you and your family safe in a Tornado.

Find a safe place to go. Preferrably an interior room away from doors and windows on the lowest level of your home. If a storm is on its way - DO NOT TRY TO OUTRUN IT! You can't. Stay where you are and get someplace safe. Most storm related deaths occur when people try to drive somewhere away from the storm.

You can use a mattress to pull over you so that if things break or fall, you can be protected.

Stay away from doors and windows. They can be blown open or shatter.

Keep a storm preparedness kit with batteries, weather radio, canned food items and can opener, clean safe bottled water, candles and matches. Keep a change of clothes for each member of your family and replace items once or twice a year. And don't forget to prepare items for your pets as well.

Don't panic!! A tornado is scary but they usually don't last long. Also, unlike hurricanes, they blow through and continue on.