Tragedy in Joplin provides opportunity for new approach

[NothingRight]

While we continue to mourn the incomparable loss from the devastation on May 22nd in Joplin, Mo, we should be looking at the restoration of that community and how we can do it in a way that not only restores order as it was, but improves upon it, not only economically, but environmentally as well.

It is time for American communities to look beyond the norm and see how we can return to being a leader in planning and development in the new era.

Read the article here..... http://nothingright.com/archives/1013

[lbrtbell]

1. Better yet

How about making it mandatory for all homes in tornado alley to have some form of underground shelter? If not a basement, at least a small shelter.

If we weren't wasting our money on illegal wars, there could be government grants for this kind of thing.

[NothingRight]

2. Amen, and Amen!!!

Sustainability plus reduction in loss of life? That is the exact opposite of war, isn't it? No wonder we don't go that direction.

The industrial military complex won't allow it

[yurbud]

3. I googled ''tornado proof mobile home'' the other day and found this:

If you notice the vent on the side of the porch, that's the tip off that it's a shelter.



The rest of it looks like this:



MORE:
http://www.safeporch.com/photos.html

This looks like a pretty simple solution. The irony is, no matter how modestly they are priced, they will probably cost more than mobile home residents can afford.

[jwirr]

4. Makes sense. Porch structures are often made of concrete so it

could become a room made of concrete that is safe.

[LastLiberal in PalmSprings]

5. One town in Kansas saw a huge opportunity in its devastation

Tornado-ravaged Kansas town rebuilds 'green'

After a monster tornado devastated Greensburg, Kan., one year ago this Sunday, the city faced tragedy and the daunting task of rebuilding from scratch.

It also got an opportunity, Mayor John Janssen says.

This rural county seat 109 miles west of Wichita has made "green" its rebuilding mantra, declaring itself a national model for environmentally conscious living — and winning attention and resources in the process.

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