Tornado safety

On Sunday, tornadoes tore through various parts of Missouri, including southeastern Vernon County. Although no lives were lost in Vernon County, 10 others in other parts of the state weren't so lucky. It's a grim reminder of the terrible danger posed by severe weather in Missouri. In the Montevallo area, some rural homes were destroyed, but these people escaped with their lives.

It's important to have a plan in place ahead of time and to be prepared. Where will you go? What's the safest place in your home, business or other structure? If you're a business owner, where will you instruct employees or customers to take cover if a storm strikes?

After the storm, where will you meet family members? How will you contact your family? Each family, each business needs to take the time to review procedures in case disaster strikes.

Sunday's tornadoes almost certainly won't be the last to occur in Missouri this year. Be prepared.

In the wake of Sunday's tornadoes, the State Emergency Management Agency has set up a hotline for those desiring to make donations to those affected by the storms. This hotline will also provide information and referrals for disaster survivors needing assistance.

The donations number is (866) 254-0140 and is open between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

-- Nevada Daily Mail