Yes, I remember and never shall forget the day of the tornadoes.
I remember watching the windows of our building in Russellville, wondering if the wind was going to blow them in on us. I remember having my employees come to the center of the building. I remember, after the wind had died down, seeing emergency vehicles, one after the other, speeding south on Highway 43. I remember wondering where they could possibly be going and what might have happened.
I didn’t know what devastation had happened just about nine miles away. I never imagined the chaos that was going on with my neighbors and friends in Phil Campbell, Hackleburg and Mt. Hope. I watched the news reports closely. I heard the stories of tragic loss, miraculous escapes, heroic rescues and horrendous scenes from many that experienced them first-hand.
I didn’t immediately visit the sites. We stayed busy in Russellville, servicing chainsaws, sharpening chains and anything else we could do to support the recovery effort. It was not until Sunday morning, on the way to church in Haleyville, that we passed through Phil Campbell and first saw the damage.
Even at that time, it was unbelieveable and too much to take in. Just a few days later, travelling through Hackleburg, my jaw dropped again in disbelief.
Our community has learned from this event. Community storm shelters have been built, buildings have been improved and early warning systems have been enhanced. Each and every family should have an emergency plan in place, and EVERY MEMBER of the family should know it. Know where to go, what to do and where to meet in the event of an emergency such as a fire or storm.
As we remember and mourn the losses, let us celebrate the recovery and determine to be as prepared as possible should we be faced with this kind of catastrophic event ever again.
