Theres No Place Like Home
Other than the sweltering heat in the summer time in Oklahoma City, the only dilemma are tornadoes. I grew up in the middle of this "tornado alley" and eventually developed a sixth sense for detecting tornadic activity. Even in the 1980's tornadoes were known for their violent crime wave, vandalizing neighborhoods and kidnapping children and adults. Imagine a beautiful evening in Moore, a suburb lying on the outskirts of Oklahoma City. Mom is in the kitchen and the kids are playing in the yard. In a matter of minutes, the sky turns green and large cumulonimbus clouds start to churn. A crackle of thunder sends a chill up your spine, followed by a strong odor of ozone that fills the air as Mother Nature's fireworks illuminate the dark sky. Large golf ball sized hail sting your window and a melody of car alarms play in the streets. You panic as the lights inside your house start to flicker as the tornado touches down and it is reported as an F-5, the largest of all the tornadoes, tearing through houses with awe-inspiring velocity. The tornado engorges cars, trees, and small houses as it approaches your house. Being prepared, you descend to the storm cellar and brace yourself for the full impact of the unforgiving monster
Go to a safe place. The safest place is often the basement, the cellar, or the lowest of the building. If you do not have a basement, move to an area away from any windows, such as the bathroom or a closet. Get under a piece of sturdy furniture such as a heavy table. Use your arms to protect your head and neck from flying debris. If you are not at home, avoid auditoriums, movie theaters, cafeterias, and shopping centers that have wide-span roofs. Never attempt to drive when there is a tornado. The tornado usually shifts directions quickly and can easily toss a large truck or car through the air. Get out of the car and seek cover under a bridge or in a low-lying area. Be informed. One of the most alarming aspects of tornadoes is the randomness at which it occurs. You should be well alert and informed about tornadoes. Contact the local American Red Cross and study your area for any incidence of tornadoes. Verify your insurance eligibility by calling up your insurance agent. Often inclement weather and high winds are not covered by your insurance company. A battery-operated radio is important, including a flashlight and extra batteries. Filtered water should also be stored, up to three gallons per person, in a plastic container. Add additional water for sanitation. Always have a food supply, with a supply for a minimum of three days. Canned fruits, juice, vegetables, and energy snacks are foods that are available at the local supermarket. Help injured and trapped people. If you are in a situation where you are not trapped go outside and help as many people as possible after the twister passes. Many people usually die because the rescue units are too bu
Some common words found in the essay are:
Red Cross, Mother Nature's, Oklahoma City, City Mom, Wizard Oz, , outside help, help people, brace yourself, oklahoma city,
Approximate Word count = 1153
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)
|
