Al,
I live 3 miles North of the tornado path. I can tell you that those that have been hit have the storm shelters and those that have not just forget about what they see over time. Best intentions and all... Oklahoma has a very high water table and the soil is predominantly red clay. It was "common knowledge" that any basement would eventually crack, due to the shifting clay, and flood. Time and technology have changed that, but the perception has remained.
There is now talk at the state capitol to use some tax money to install shelters at all public education facilities and murmurs of tax credits to day care and child care centers to do the same. I can only hope this becomes a reality. Some new additions in the area have been providing residents with community centers that have safe rooms installed. Although this is a great service I am still of the mine that personal safety is the responsibility of the person and that you should provide for those you love.
One thing that can not be faulted is the spirit of the people here. Although many on the forum are able to find fault in religious organizations, the local churches have been on site immediately and coordinated relief efforts amongst themsleves to provide of the community. My son is the Youth Minister at First Baptist Church Moore and he and all the staff were there for well over 30 hours straight coordnating the semi truck loads of supplies and equipment that came into their parking lot. They insured that every one that came had food, water, clothing, and a place to sleep. The outpooring was so great they had to ask for people to stop showing up to help as immediate needs were met within that short period of time. They have already recruited adults and youth at the church to lead in the clean up effort as soon as officials allow people back in the area.
This is the third major tornado that has hit this community since 1999. If adversity makes people stronger then these are some of the toughest people you will ever meet.
