Brief report from Joplin MO

[usregimechange]

My family was very lucky, we were at a BBQ in a neighboring town when the massive tornado went through our town. Our house is destroyed and my car with it. We have family support and insurance on the house. We'll be ok but this is very difficult.

Photos

Front of what is left of my home:


Back yard (our dog survived out here, somehow):


My home office:


My car:



Wish us luck!

[trumad]

1. Holy Crap!

Thank God you're OK...

Prayers to all of you.

[proud2BlibKansan]

2. OMG so glad you are okay

This is just horrific.

[EFerrari]

3. Omg. I'm sorry about your house, speechless,

but so grateful you guys are in one piece.

Please let us know what is needed.



\:grouphug:

[xmas74]

4. You were mentioned in a thread or two yesterday.

You had everyone here worried.

I haven't been down in some time (last time I was there was for a game at Mo Southern) but it just seems so hard to comprehend what happened.

Stay safe-we have a nasty week ahead of us.

[Ron Green]

5. Wow. Best wishes to you, usregimechange, and thanks for checking in.

I'm sorry you're having to go through this, but it's good that you've got coverage and family around.

K&R for your good spirit.

[usregimechange]

6. btw, the back yard photo, there used to be a line of houses there

[malaise]

7. Glad you weren't there

Happy that your dog survived. :grouphug:

[NotThisTime]

13. Same here, glad you weren't there, I have no idea how your pup survived but I'm so glad he did.

[RayOfHope]

8. Seth! I have been so worried about you

Oh my goodness, my heart is just aching for you all. (Its your old Nevada buddy, I'm not sure we've talked much since my username change).

Ugh. What do you need, and what can I do to help? Springfield isn't that far, I can be there in a snap.

[usregimechange]

15. I don't even know yet.... but thanks

[Lone_Star_Dem]

9. You and your family are very lucky to have not been there at the time

I'm amazed to hear your dog survived. Tornadoes are so unpredictable.

I'm glad you're all alright and that you have insurance to help offset some of the loss. Give all your loved ones an extra hug from me. It's going to be very difficult getting through the coming days, but you'll all be able to do it as a team.


:grouphug:

[wellstone dem]

So so sorry

Thanks for posting. Courage as you move forward. Your community is in my thoughts and prayers as are you.

[lunatica]

10. Even your dog is OK in that!!!

That tornado was vicious! I see your car has a huge piece of wood through its front window.

I'm very glad your family are OK.

[Commie Pinko Dirtbag]

11. Is your dog Krypto?

Holy fucking shit. :wow:

[mike_c]

12. glad to hear that you're safe!

Wow, such terrible damage! Best wishes to you and your family and your neighbors. What a terrible tragedy!

[Oceansaway]

14. is your dogs name Lucky ?...

OMG....it looks like a war zone.....

[tishaLA]

16. That looks awful. Glad you're safe, though

[asjr]

17. Those are chilling pictures!

[DevonRex]

18. How can i/we help? What do you need?

Clothes, money? Please let us pitch in.

[usregimechange]

28. Gift card to Target or Lowes maybe, not really sure what we will need yet...

[DevonRex]

38. PM me with an address.

I'll go do that first thing in the morning. :hug:

[usregimechange]

40. thank you! we will need it

[uppityperson]

19. aww damn. Glad you weren't there and your dog survived.

aw man

[Renew Deal]

20. I'm glad to hear you're OK.

Someone mentioned you last night and I was hoping you made it through OK. I'm glad you weren't home. :hug:

[Octafish]

21. Good luck!

May better days come quickly for you and yours, usregimechange.

[wickerwoman]

22. Holy crap!

Glad everyone is OK and the dog is safe.

[liberal N proud]

23. Good to hear you are safe

Just heard from a friend who lives just outside Joplin, they are OK, sounds bleak.

We are thinking about you on this end of the nation. Same storm from from Sunday about to blow through here. Not expected to be anything like that.

[City Lights]

24. I'm so glad you, your family, and your dog are okay.

Your pictures are stunning. I'm so sorry your home and belongings were destroyed. :cry:

You have my heartfelt sympathy. I cannot imagine what you're going through. :hug:

[Melinda]

25. We send healing thoughts and prayers of hope to each of you in your community

And we're so relieved that you and yours are safe. If there is anything your DU family can do to help you and your community of Joplin MO, please do hesitate to ask... DUers are here to step up. :grouphug:


Melinda and family

[cali]

26. I'm so, so glad that you and your family are safe and that by some minor

miracle your dog survived. (how the hell did that happen). Having said that, I'm so sorry about your house and car.

[annabanana]

27. Dear Lord! I am SO glad you & your Family are OK (also the pup)

Your whole neighborhood looks like it took the hit directly.

[Frustratedlady]

29. Incredible and so tragic for all of Joplin.

My heart goes out to all of you. I can't imagine where one would even begin in the cleaning up process, let alone rebuilding. I was watching the progress of those systems, as they were moving our way.

As for those who lost their loved ones, my deepest sympathies.

[Taverner]

30. Jezusfuck, my heart goes out to you

:hug:

[WillyT]

31. Glad You're Safe !!!

:grouphug:

:hi:

:kick:

[Pooka Fey]

32. OMG Best of luck getting through this.

I'm glad your dog is OK. :grouphug:

[onethatcares]

33. oh my, I don't have the words

enough to express my astonishment. I am so very glad you are still here to continue making a difference.

Wow, words fail.:fistbump:

[Rosie1223]

34. Thank goodness you and your family are ok.

Best wishes in starting over.

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

35. Glad to hear you are safe!

[Glimmer of Hope]

36. I wish you and all of Joplin the best of luck. Your dog's survival in that chaos is a miracle.

[Snoutport]

52. miracle dog

[KT2000]

37. Unbelievable

I do hope you and everyone there the best. I can't imagine how your dog survived, bless his heart. Please check in to DU with updates and let us know what the whole process of rebuilding is like. Many here want to know and are ready to provide emotional support. :grouphug:

[bigwillq]

39. Just wow.

:hug:

All the best as you recover from this horrible tragedy.

[woofless]

41. My daughter is there too.

She and hers have survived. Grandma lost her home and all the stuff. Hang in there, we're all keeping you in our hearts.

Woof

[logosoco]

42. Glad you are okay and so happy for the dog!!!

Amazing pics...especially the one of by the computer...how are those papers and small things still sitting there! WOW!

[DevonRex]

43. DU, LET'S HELP THIS FAMILY GET THROUGH THIS.

A gift card to Lowes or Target would help. They will need everything. Clothes and food and supplies to get some repairs started or just to protect what's left until a contractor can begin repairs.

[RagAss]

48. Is there a PO Box I can send a giftcard to??

[DevonRex]

49. PM him and ask. He gave me his address but I hesitate without specific permission

to give it out myself. But he will give it to you! And thank you so much for responding

[RagAss]

50. Doing now...thanks.

[RagAss]

63. All set...thanks again

[flygal]

57. Can Target gift cards be done through email?

my mom sent me a Cheesecake Factory one - I just had to print it out. Maybe with just a code number he could use it. I'd like to help as well.

[RagAss]

64. Not sure...I'm doing it by mail...PM'd the OP and he sent me an address.

[gizmonic]

113. Stopped by Target tonight to pick up a gift card and a few amenities

Am putting together a little care package and shipping it out tomorrow.

I checked UPS' website to see if there were any delays -- fortunately there aren't any -- so usregimechange should receive it by Friday.

Gosh, I feel so helpless here... :(

[Liberal_in_LA]

44. HOLY MOLY!!!!!!!!!

[cally]

45. My heart aches for you

but I'm so impressed by your attitude telling us you are lucky!, !! when you are facing such devastation. I'm glad you, your family, and your dog are OK. I wish all the other survivors hope and strength.

[demtenjeep]

46. oh wow, that's about what my sister's house looks like

so very glad you are okay

[mnhtnbb]

47. Having lost everything when fire destroyed our home several years ago,

my heart goes out to you and your family.

Good luck dealing with your insurance company and your lender.
Don't let them push you around!

[RagAss]

51. Keeping kicked

[Ruby the Liberal]

53. There are no words

The devastation is overwhelming. I am so glad your family (and fur baby) are safe.

[usregimechange]

54. Thanks to everyone offering assistance, every little bit helps right now

edited to add that all of your comments help as well, trying to stay positive.

[newspeak]

102. let me know an address

I'd like to send you a target card. It would be nice to set up a donation site on DU for those hit in Joplin.

[Kadie]

55. Wow.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and everyone in your community.

[grahamhgreen]

56. This has nothing to do with global warming.

:sarcasm:

[defendandprotect]

103. True -- and it looks like another line of storms is coming in -

May be more storms on the way --

The danger was by no means over. Fires from gas leaks burned across city. The smell of ammonia and propane filled the air in some damaged areas. And the forecast looked grim.

The April tornadoes that devastated the South unspooled over a three-day period starting in the Plains. The Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Okla., said a repeat could be setting up, with a possible large tornado outbreak in the Midwest on Tuesday and bad weather potentially reaching the East Coast by Friday.

"This is a very serious situation brewing," center director Russell Schneider said.

Early Tuesday, the center said there was a moderate risk of severe weather in central and southeast Kansas and southwestern Missouri, which could include Joplin. It raised the warning for severe weather in central Oklahoma, southern Kansas and north Texas to high risk indicating that tornadoes will hit in those areas.


And more detail on what the people are personally sufering there --

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110524/ap_on_re_us/us_midwest_storms



--------- Sad to have to use these reports to try to make clear to DU'ers that this is

Global Warming -- and it will be bringing increasing chaotic conditions -- increasing in

numbers and severity -- and that includes earthquakes.

--------- Unfortunately, the oil industry was able to lie to public about Global Warming

quite successfully for 50 years because there was a 50 year GAP in our feeling the effects

of Global Warming --

--------- We are now only feeling the effects up to about 1960 -- and imagine all the

human activity after that time!

--------- This is the result of capitalism's reckless and suicidal exploitation of nature,

natural resources, animal life -- and even other human beings.

[tnlefty]

58. I feel for you and your community!!

Such devastation is hard to comprehend. Huge trees are still cut up waiting to be moved around here, and that was mid April. We were unnerved, but undamaged.

My heart goes out to you. I've seen videos of that monster forming. :hug: You'll be in my thoughts.

[eridani]

59. What, in your opinion, is the best organization to donate to?

Should donations be more local, or more national?

[usregimechange]

60. More pictures

Garage door bent and mangled by turbulence:


My new lawn mower went from the back covered porch to the front yard and was significantly bent:


Back of the house (covered porch completely gone, kitchen/living room/study roof ripped off, siding peeled away):


Rafters and boards and debri mostly from our house filled the kitchen floor:

[usregimechange]

62. Projectiles

[intheflow]

65. Thank you for sharing these photos.

They will also help you when it comes time to deal with your insurance company.

My heart goes out to you. The photos coming out of Joplin are giving me flashbacks to the Mississippi Coast after Katrina, what a heartbreaking mess! Take care of yourself and your family. I also urge you to take advantage of any mental health services you can get your hands on, even if you don't think you need it. Something this traumatic, trust me: you'll need some counseling when it stops being so freakishly surreal and the hard work of rebuilding begins.

Peace, Friend. :hug:

[usregimechange]

70. Good thing I am a therapist!

[barbtries]

85. lol

i didn't see this when i posted below. it is a good thing you're a therapist, but you are still human too. i have high hopes for your solid recovery however.

[intheflow]

106. Physician, heal thyself!

:)

But seriously, don't forget to take care of you as you take care of others. I saw a lot of mental health people crash and burn in Mississippi. Your training doesn't necessarily protect you. But it's good to know you're better informed than most about how this could affect you and your family. :hug:

[barbtries]

84. incredible.

friend of a friend's daughter lost everything but happily everyone okay as well. it's just staggering.

you have a long haul ahead of you. please do not hesitate to reach out for the help that is available. a caution: a friend of mine lost everything in FL in 2004 and never recovered yet. the danger is in your grief turning chronic.

my best friend is 40 miles away in pineville. we are all so close to standing in your shoes whether it's an earthquake a hurricane, a tornado. fire, flood...so many ways for nature to knock us off our feet.

beggars the question of why is there war...

[uppityperson]

98. That is a really strong microwave, though the lawnmower may need a tune up. Thanks for the photos

Wind is incredible. It blows into things and blows them apart then blows the debris into more things, which shoved them apart, etc etc.

This is heartbreaking. I am glad you are ok and weren't there at the time.

[icymist]

61. I'm glad you're Okay.

Good luck to you and your family.

[Art_from_Ark]

66. Oh my gosh, those pictures are so shocking

Looks like a repeat of the 1971 tornado. Glad to hear that you and yours (including your dog) were unscathed.

[moondust]

67. Be careful out there!

Reports are that there are gas leaks all over the place and power lines down.

Best wishes for a speedy recovery!

[RainDog]

68. I'm glad you are safe - this must be such a shock

best to you and yours.

if I could help I would...

[bighart]

69. My daughter lives in Joplin.

Her apartment was spared but the ones just down the road were hit hard. Talked to her tonight and it sounds like she is pretty traumatized. Wishing all who were affected in whatever way the best.

[erinlough]

71. I'm so sorry for the losses you have suffered, but

I am so glad that you, and your furry friend are OK. I live in an area of Michigan which sees tornadoes each year and my heart goes out to you.

[garthranzz]

72. From a Katrina survivor...

My prayers and sympathy. Your house looks like my parents' did, after the water receded.

DU was a great comfort to me then. I'm sure the community here - and the support you have there - will be a comfort for you.

[Cracklin Charlie]

73. Prayers for Joplin

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the people of Joplin.

[donheld]

74. I wish you all well. I hope you bounce back better than ever.

[sabrina 1]

75. I am so glad you were not there.

Omg, that is devastating. I am also glad your dog survived.

Take care :hug:

[SHRED]

76. WATCH OUT FOR TUESDAY!

I saw that there is another wave coming.

[me b zola]

77. Damn

I wish you the best of luck and sending lots of good thoughts your way. I'm glad that you and your family are okay.

[progressoid]

78. I'm speechless.

:hug:

[FourScore]

79. I am so glad you were not home.

I hope you can find glimmers of hope during this time of loss.

[steve2470]

80. Glad you, your family and your dog are alive, wish you best of fortunes ! nt

[GReedDiamond]

81. Best wishes to you, your family...

...and everyone in Joplin.

Beyond that, I'm speechless, your pictures are stunning.

[colorado_ufo]

82. So glad you are OK, and your dog, too!

God bless you, your family and neighbors. May you all recover from this.

[barbtries]

83. so glad you're okay

and so sorry for all that's been lost. please keep us posted as well as you can in the months ahead. :hug:

[GoddessOfGuinness]

86. I'm very glad to hear you are all ok...

Amazing that your dog managed to survive...I'll bet he was very glad to see you when you got there! I am so very sorry about your house...and for your friends and neighbors. Sending my best hopes...

[OKNancy]

87. OMG - so glad you are OK. If you want to come to Tulsa

I'm sure I could put you up a few days if you don't have any other resources.

[kentuck]

88. Oh my!

I am happy that you and your family are safe.

[Jawja]

89. Glad you are ok.

I have family in Missouri who have dodged a bullet or two. :hi:

[mod mom]

90. Sorry for your material loss but glad to hear your family is ok.

Sending good vibes to your town for a quick recovery. :hi:

[qanda]

91. Seeing your pictures brought me to tears

My heart is broken for you and all of those suffering right now. I pray for a quick recovery for your area. I know there are some things that will never be recovered, namely those lost in this terrible storm. May you find peace in the midst of it all. :hug:

[Marrah_G]

92. I am so sorry this has happened to your family

Please don't hesitate to ask for help if you need it. I can't imagine how you must be feeling.

[Skidmore]

93. So happy you are all safe although you have lost your home.

Best wishes to you and your family as you recover.

[NJCher]

94. usregimechange

Can you just tell us what Target or Lowe's to phone if we want to do a gift card? I think we could just phone the store, give them our credit card number, and you could just pick it up when you go in.

All we need from you is the store location.


Cher

[xmas74]

96. The only Target in Joplin

http://sites.target.com/site/en/spot/search_results.jsp?&mapType=standard&startAddress=joplin%2C+mo&startingLat=37.09147547644306&startingLong=-94.51317977215832&_requestid=1855534
Joplin

1
3151 E 7th St
Joplin, MO 64801
Details(417) 659-8755
M-Fr: 8:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.
Sa: 8:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.
Su: 8:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.
Pharmacy, Wine Available, Starbucks


http://www.lowes.com/StoreLocatorDisplayView?storeId=10151&catalogId=10051

There is a Lowes in Joplin, one in Carthage and one in Neosho. Carthage and Neosho are maybe a half hour away. (It's been years since I've stopped in Neosho.)

Hope that helps!

[KamaAina]

108. The $64 question: Did it survive?

I'm hearing the Wal-Mart did not, as well as lots of other stores along Rangeline.

[xmas74]

109. Call the number and ask if they are open.

That's the easiest way to find out.

(Wanted to add that the Lowes link includes two nearby stores, in case the Joplin store isn't open.)

[Parker CA]

110. Target is still there according to Usregimechange.

[usregimechange]

111. Joplin mo, 3151 East 7th Street, Joplin - [phone]

Thank you!

[DirkGently]

95. Speechless. Glad you & the family were elsewhere & the dog made it.

[gizmonic]

97. Wow, I'm speechless...

I'm glad to hear that your family and furry friend made it out ok.

:hug:

[cate94]

99. How frightening

to pull up to your house, knowing that your dog had been out back. I'm sure with all the loss and heartbreak, finding your dog alive was a joyful relief.

I don't know how you start putting your things back in order. Good luck with everything.

[wicket]

100. I'm so glad you all escaped with your lives

:hug:

[kestrel91316]

101. You poor people! You must be in shock.

:cry: :hug:

Be safe in that mess. And let yourself cry.

With all of us behind you, you'll find your way forward out of this.

[swilton]

104. So glad you are all

(including your pooch) ok! Joplin is on my route to Ponca City, Oklahoma; I've stopped there many times. So sad to see this happen.

[defendandprotect]

105. So glad you were away from home -- !! Unbelievable damage --

Promising and strong words from Obama about visiting and assistance --

Fingers-crossed for you all in rebuilding --

Best wishes to all of Joplin --

[Daphne08]

107. Oh, my goodness. What destruction!

I can't imagine coming home to this. We wish you the best and are relieved you were out of harm's way when the tornado hit your town.

Our thoughts and prayers are with all your neighbors as well.

[usregimechange]

112. Update

We have managed to salvage almost everything worth picking up and have been climbing through the wreckage looking for needed items. I am sooooo tired right now but feel like we have got a lot done. I want to thank the DUers here who have offered condolences and who are sending gift cards for what we will be needing.

Next step

All along we have not really known what to do when. What do we need? We need to know what we need.

We have filed a claim with our house insurance and hope they will do good by us. The adjuster came buy and said it was a total loss, didn't even want to see the pictures we took. Not sure what they will do yet. Tonight we are contacting FEMA. I don't know if either can help with my car but the good news is that it does still run and 2 of its 6 windows survived. It is beat up so we are not sure if the cost of fixing it will exceed the value of the car itself.

Thanks to family support and the support of all of you we will make it. Just have to stay positive.

[Chemisse]

114. This is stunning!

Your family (and your dog!) are so lucky to have avoided/survived this.

Still, it is hard to have your life in shambles - literally. Best wishes in getting through this ordeal.

[DevonRex]

115. Kick. Target does email, smart phone and snail mail gift cards.

I did mine snail mail because I wasn't sure if you'd be checking back here very often. I know you're busy trying to pull your life back together. My family sends yours love and prayers, too, or just good vibes if you'd prefer.

[Chris_Texas]

116. HOLY HELL!

[PopSixSquish]

117. Wow - Glad That You and Your Family and Dog are OK

I'm keeping your family in my thoughts and prayers...

[Arkansas Granny]

118. I was born and grew up in the Joplin area and know the area around St. John's well.

I don't even recognize the neighborhoods in the pictures and the hospital is the only landmark I can relate to. I'm glad you and your family are safe.

[greatauntoftriplets]

119. I am so sorry for the loss of your home and car.

The scenes of devastation from Joplin are horrendous.

Be safe. At least you weren't in the house when the tornado came through and so you and your family are safe.

[usregimechange]

120. Update

Had to scrap my car, didn't get much out of it. Began looking at houses but we meet with the adjuster tomorrow. Wish us luck!

[Odin2005]

121. OMFG in Heaven! I'm glad you guys are OK!!!

:hug:

[Tatiana]

122. Bless you. I'm so glad you and your family is OK.

Please let us know if there is anything we can do for you.

My thoughts and prayers will be with you and everyone else in Joplin.

[marions ghost]

123. so terrible

sorry :cry: