Community

Friday, the Omaha NE greater metropolitan area (and beyond) was struck by multiple tornados, one of them speculated as being one of the top 20 in history. The path of destruction caused by these tornadoes ripped apart small towns, neighborhoods and even part of Omaha’s Eppley Airport as it tore its way across multiple counties and states.??

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As families and friends heeded the warnings of the National Weather Service , Local authorities, Omaha Police Department & the Douglas County Sheriff's Office - Omaha, NE , meteorologists like Rusty Lord , and more; we waited in basements and storm shelters, staying in touch with each other over phone calls, and texts. Most of us have become callused to the threats, as it’s rather uncommon for major twisters to hit major metropolitan areas and cause widespread damage. This time it was different.??

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While my family and many others were spared from damage and devastation, so many others were not. Major neighborhoods and communities were obliterated in minutes, with people filing out from their basements into wet, open main floors of their homes. Roofs gone, personal effects scattered, and an overwhelming feeling of helplessness flooding in.??

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Then the community showed up.??

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Ahead of the storm, meteorologists, storm chasers, emergency response personnel, city workers, utility workers, teachers, and more – left or remained distant from their own families to serve those at risk. Because of the actions and sacrifices of these people, no fatalities have been reported.?

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As soon as the storm passed, neighbors jumped to action, pulling people out of the rubble, helping people find critical items like wallets, medicine, and more. Floods of box trucks, vehicles, trucks with trailers and more, spent Friday night and the weekend helping those impacted remove debris, gather salvageable items, and move items to safer storage and temporary homes. First responders provided aid and organization to a dangerous and chaotic situation.??

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The community showed up and is not stopping.?

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In this world, whether we’re talking about in our professional or personal lives – we belong to communities. They may not always be easy to define, but we are in them. Our communities are our friends, our colleagues, and our neighbors. Even if we don’t know each other, we are in the same community. And we show up for each other.??

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I’m proud of you Nebraska (and Iowa). We are community!??

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To help those in need, consider the Nebraska & Iowa Tornado Relief Fund (NITRF),? Nebraska Tornado Recovery Fund, or donating your time and energy in support of the clean-up and aid efforts with churches and city offices in Elkhorn, Blair as well as with Omaha Rapid Response, The American Red Cross, or The Salvation Army.?

#NebraskaStrong?