Joplin's recovery

Sunday evening at 5:30, Joplin, Mo., was hit by an EF5 tornado said by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to be the eighth deadliest in U.S. history. The tornadic winds of at least 200 mph have led to more than 100 deaths and destruction to one-third of the city.

Those in the news media are the ones usually reporting on major disasters. And while the Joplin Globe has done a tremendous job reporting on the disaster and taking photos of the devastation, they too have been suffering. A representative of the Globe said 26 employees have reported significant damage to their homes or lost their homes completely and that the newspaper has not been able to make contact with one employee.

This year has been a dangerous year for tornadoes. NOAA reports that including the tornadoes in Joplin and Oklahoma this week, 501 tornado-related fatalities have occurred this year, marking this year -- thus far -- the seventh most deadliest in U.S. history.

But as we've said before, when disasters hit, Americans are exceptionally generous with their time and resources to help those in need. Several organizations, including the Red Cross, Salvation Army, Operation Blessing and Springfield-based Convoy of Hope, among others, are on the ground getting vital resources to those hardest hit. Several from Southeast Missouri have also made the trek to Joplin to help. To these individuals and the many organizations involved, thank you.

Unfortunately, like in past disasters, there are some con artists who only seek to illegally profit from the circumstances. We would encourage you to consider supporting legitimate relief organizations. To verify a charity is legitimate and find out how much of donations go to legitimate causes, go to the Missouri attorney general's website -- www.ago.mo.gov -- and use the Check-a-Charity tool.

The devastation to Joplin and many other tornado-struck communities is a reminder that we should carefully heed weather warnings. A tornado watch indicates the possibility of tornadic activity, whereas a tornado warning means a tornado has been spotted or has been indicated by radar. If a tornado warning is given, seek shelter immediately.

FEMA says that during a warning you should seek shelter in the lowest building level. If a basement is not available, seek shelter in the center of an interior room at the lowest level of the building away from corners, windows, doors and outside walls. Stay under a sturdy table, using your arms to protect your head and neck. And do not open windows. The agency says if you are in a vehicle, trailer or mobile home, leave and go to the lowest level of a close, sturdy building or storm shelter.

Tornadoes and other weather warnings should be taken seriously. Make a plan now as to where you would go should a tornado warning be issued.

Be safe.