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The “Woman at the Well” was replaced after a mighty rushing wind ravaged the south side of the church, taking with it millions of pieces of heirloom stained glass. The replacement windows match incredibly well, despite the originals being installed in the 1920s.
Cullman First United Methodist Church By Loretta Gillespie
I
n the quiet stillness of a weekday morning, with the sun pouring through the stained glass in the sanctuary of Cullman’s First United Methodist Church, you would never know that this place was left in a shambles from a mighty rushing wind almost one year ago today. The church, some parts of which are over a century old, just finished construction and rebuilding of the sections of the building which were damaged by the April 27, 2011, tornado that swept through downtown Cullman and other parts of Cullman County and North Alabama. The roof was lifted off the majestic rock structure, and the original windows on the south side were shattered into millions of pieces. “The windows were over 90 years old, “said Associate Pastor Byron Vance, looking up at the multi-hued panels that have just been installed. “They were created by an Italian artist in FILE
Please see METHODIST Page 4
Cullman’s First United Methodist Church is seen minutes after the tornado hit downtown Cullman.
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METHODIST FROM PAGE 3 the 1920s and we were worried that they couldn’t be duplicated,” he said. The new windows may not have the patina that the older ones had, but looking across the sanctuary toward the north-facing windows, one can tell no difference in the originals and the new windows. “There were only three windows damaged on the north side, while on the south side, all the windows had to be replaced,” he explained. In the arch, high above the pews, in the huge central wall of the front of the stately church, the depiction in glass of the Good Shepherd with a lamb looks down over the congregation on Sundays and out over the streets of Cullman, a landmark for all who come this way. It too, was broken and shattered due to the storm. Now it is whole again, serving as a reminder that much like the hearts of the people who call this church home, it is healed. The lovely hand-hooked prayer cushions that line the alter were not damaged, nor was the flooring. “In 2001 the church was carpeted in here,” said Vance. “But it was wet after the storm and when it was taken up for replacement, the original hardwood floors were discovered to be in good shape so the decision was made not to replace the carpet.” Vance says that the hardwood floors actually help the acoustics in the huge sanctuary. “The organ and the choir voices actually bounce around in here now allowing us to handle and harness those sounds,” he said. It’s been a long year for everyone in the community, but the rebuilding of landmarks like this one are proof of the resilience, strength and faith of the people who live and worship here.
LORETTA GILLESPIE/THE CULLMAN TIMES
First United Methodist Church’s pipe organ.
LORETTA GILLESPIE/THE CULLMAN TIMES
“The Good Shepherd” is the largest of the windows in the sanctuary. This one was familiar to everyone who passed along the streets of Cullman and admired its beauty.
LORETTA GILLESPIE/THE CULLMAN TIMES
The carpet in the sanctuary was ruined by the massive amounts of water and debris that the storm brought with it. It had been replaced in 2001. When it was taken up following the storm, the original hardwood floors were revealed. They look wonderful, and according to Associate Pastor Byron Vance, they have added a fuller resonance to the acoustics in the building.
LORETTA GILLESPIE/THE CULLMAN TIMES
Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane. The original windows, installed in the 1920s, were crafted by an Italian artist. Church members and staff were worried that modern artists might not be able to replicate the original works, but they seem to have done a wonderful job of matching the windows that were lost to the storm.
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Need still exists for storm shelters By Ashley Graves STAFF WRITER
Officials with the City of Cullman Fire Department are still urging local residents with storm shelters and safe rooms to register them with the department. According to Fire Chief Edward Reinhardt, Jr., the information will be valuable to the department so that responders will know where to search in the event of storms such as the ones that hit on this day a year ago. "We thought it would be a good idea after the storms last year," Reinhardt said. "That way, if you have a house that's partially destroyed, we'll be able to make sure everyone is identified and that everyone is out safe." He added that though they didn’t have any particular problems on April 27, a lot of times it can be hard to locate
FILE
Keith and Deborah Crumbley, seen June 2011, talk with an onlooker about how they survived the April 27 tornado that destroyed their Simcoe home by taking shelter in the safe room pictured in the background. The Crumbleys obtained their safe room in 2004 under a federal grant program similar to a forthcoming one that will make funds available to county residents for installation of shelters on residential private property.
move much quicker.” All shelters and safe rooms being registered must meet FEMA certification. Reinhardt asks that all the information, including the owner’s name, address, contact information and physical location of the shelter or safe room be emailed to the department at cityfireadmin@cullmancity.org to keep from tying up the department's phone lines. He said once the information is received, it will them be put into a GPS used only by the department. "The information will be kept private and used by our department solely for purposes of search and rescue in the event of storms or disasters" Reinhardt said.
➤ Ashley Graves can be places at night if the power is “It can be hard to get ori- a shelter registered ahead of reached by phone at 734-2131, out, signs are down and debris ented with where you’re at,” time, it will make it easier to ext. 225 or by email at is everywhere. Reinhardt said. “So, if we have identify and make things agraves@cullmantimes.com
Know where public storm shelters are before a storm hits By Benjamin Bullard STAFF WRITER
If you don’t live in a location that has a storm shelter or safe room on site, there are several places in Cullman County that offer designated community shelters — nearly all of them recently built. Whether you go east, west, north or south, there’s at least one community shelter located in each quadrant of the county, as well as in the City of Cullman. With eight locations in all — and at least three more soon to be completed in Hanceville — there’s enough room between all the shelters to welcome, at a minimum, a combined 1,500 people at once. Service animals are the only
pets allowed at any of the shelters, and the maximum capacity of each varies, depending on the size. Some are always open, and other are opened only by designated volunteers in the event of a severe weather alert. But nearly all of them are pod-style units that have been installed within the past six years, and all of the shelters are approved to be safe and available when needed by the Cullman County EMA. Following is a list of all EMA-verified shelters in Cullman County. If you live in or near Hanceville, it won’t be long before shelters in your city are added to this list: ➤ Vinemont/Providence volunteer fire department #1 — Located on County Road 1335. Capacity — approxi-
mately 100. The FEMAapproved shelter is opened by the Vinemont volunteer fire department when a watchlevel tornado alert for the area has been issued. ➤ Vinemont/Providence volunteer fire department # 2 — Located on Ridgeway Street in the town of South Vinemont. Capacity — approximately 100. The FEMA-approved shelter is opened by the Vinemont volunteer fire department when a watch-level tornado alert for the area has been issued. ➤Garden City town hall — Located on U.S. Highway 31 South in Garden City. Capacity — approximately 450 spread across five units. The FEMAapproved shelter is opened by the town when a watch-level tornado alert has been issued.
➤Fairview Housing Authority — Located on Wesley Avenue in Fairview; adjacent to 96 Countryside Acres Road. Capacity— approximately 100. Doors at this FEMA-approved shelter are open at all times. ➤Jones Chapel - Chapel Village — Located at Jones Chapel on U.S. Highway 278 West, at 74 County Road 1034. Capacity — approximately 100. Doors at this FEMA-approved shelter are open at all times. ➤Dodge City — Located in the basement of the Dodge City town hall, 130 Howard Circle just west of Interstate 65 at exit 299. Capacity — unknown. The basement is opened by the town of Dodge City when a watch-level tornado alert has been issued. ➤Good Hope — Located in
the basement of Good Hope city hall, 134 Town Hall Drive just west of Interstate 65 at exit 304. Capacity — approximately 100. Doors are open at all times. ➤City of Cullman — Located in the basement hallway of the Cullman County Courthouse, 500 2nd Avenue SW. Capacity — unknown. The courthouse basement is opened and staffed by Cullman County maintenance employees after hours when a watch-level tornado alert has been issued. ➤Benjamin Bullard can be reached by e-mail at bbullard@cullmantimes.com or by telephone at 734-2131 ext. 270.
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Weir family rides out storm By Loretta Gillespie CORRESPONDENT
T
he Weir family lives in a piece of Cullman history. Their house was once a hospital. Cullman dentist Dr. James Edwards was born here, his grandchildren played with the Weir children, perhaps even in the room where their grandfather was born. When the hospital moved to town, the house was home to three families. The builder, a Mr. Richter, lived in the basement. Later the house was owned by a Mrs. Tew, who lived here until the early ‘90s. For a short while another family owned the house. The Weirs bought it from them. The Weirs were only the third owners of the house, which was built in 1910. On April 27, 2012, Kent Weir heard about the tornado. He loaded up his family, daughters Allie, 16, and Shelby, 12, his wife, Mimi, their 19-year-old son, Kohl, and two friends, and drove toward downtown. “We’re going to see a tornado,” he told them. When they got to the end of the street, they actually saw the twister hit the courthouse. It took them about two minutes to get back home, pile out of the car and dive into the basement. During this time the tornado was laying waste to the Busy Bee, East Side Barber Shop, the First United Methodist Church, Little Bit of Everything, and anything else that got in its way. It was still hungry for more. They heard the popping of limbs and debris first. “It sounded like men with hammers,” recalled Weir. Then there came the winds howling overhead. “That sounded like a jet engine,” Weir described. It was so loud, in fact, that they didn’t hear the 200-year-old oak tree crash down on the sunroom just above their heads, but
THE WEIR FAMILY
Shelby Weir, 12, beside a massive tree trunk and it's roots. The Weirs lost a total of six trees, all more than 200 years old, two of them were at least 80 feet tall. At one point, Shelby sat down and counted tree rings, but got tired after 200. they felt the shock as it was absorbed by the 2x4s in the walls. “I wondered what was going to come apart,” he recalled. In silence, the family and friends watched as trees flew past the basement windows, then the tornado moved past them and on down toward Larkwood, ripping giant oak trees out of the ground as it went. The silence was broken when 19-year-old Kohl Weir began to sing the Lord’s Prayer. The rest of the family
joined in. A couple of minutes later the family emerged from the basement into a different world. “There were trees down everywhere,” said Weir. “Houses were torn apart, people were starting to call out to their neighbors to see if they were alright. We were in awe of what we saw,” he said. The first thing the Weirs did was make their way across the barricade of trees to check on a neighbor, George Benson, who lives alone. Everyone in the neighborhood made sure that people were accounted
for. Compared to the chaos outside, inside their home things were strangely normal. Other than lots of cracks in the plaster walls, nothing was disturbed, not the dishes in the cabinets, the pictures on the walls, or Kent Weir’s 130gallon salt water aquarium. “This house was built with something called ‘floating construction,’ which absorbed the shock and protected it from the tornado,” explained Weir. Whatever the case, it worked. When all around
them neighbors were looking for their valuables among the rubble of their homes, the Weirs’ home was intact — except for the sunroom. It was four months before the contractors began stripping the lathe and plaster walls. “We had to bring everything up to code, all the wiring, electrical, plumbing and lighting had to be stripped and replaced or redone,” said Weir. They saved the original moldings and the beautiful Please see WEIRS Page 10
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WEIRS FROM PAGE 9 hardwood floors, they put in insulation, which was a first for the house, then they replaced the sheetrock, but left some of the beautiful brick walls exposed in some areas. The insurance would have probably totaled the house, but the Weirs were determined to rebuild. “There was no way they were going to tear this house down,” declared Weir. “The walls of this house are three layers of brick and rock, 18 inches thick,” he said. “It was well built so there was no structural damage.” Outside, two of the family cars and a camper were totaled. “There were so many trees down on everything…overturned cars, on houses, and all over the streets.” The Weirs own two KFC franchises and Back Yard Burgers. All their meat was in danger of ruining because no one in town, or for miles around, had electricity. “We brought all our meat home and cooked on the grill,” he said. “We cooked 250 pounds of chicken, and over 75 pounds of hamburger meat.” Weir’s daughters loaded up a wagon and pulled it up and down the street, offering it to anyone who was cleaning up or to neighbors, who had lost all their food. Luckily, the family has a house on Smith Lake, so they do have a place to stay, but they are understandably anxious to be back at home. They will have a few things to get accustomed to — a new master bath and bedroom were installed upstairs. The kitchen has been opened up to make it more modern. As for the family, the girls are traumatized. Allie is ready to move back home, whether the builders are finished or
THE WEIR FAMILY
Taken from inside the house, the sunroom, straight ahead, took a direct hit from the 200-year-old oak. Oddly enough, although there were cracks in all the plaster walls, nothing in any other part of the house was disturbed, not even the dishes. not. “Walker Brothers has done an excellent job,” said Weir. “They say that we will be back home by the end of July.” Point of interest: Out back there’s an oak tree that stands about 20 feet tall. Its leaves are shining with new spring growth. All around the neighborhood you can still see hundreds of others that toppled when the winds raged through here. Perhaps the reason this one still stands is that it comes from such venerable rootstock — Kent planted it as a sapling. It came from Toomer’s Corner stock.
The Weir Family The Weir family was in the basement, just under this section of their house in Cullman's historic district, when the tree fell. They watched as the tornado made its way on toward Larkwood. THE WEIR FAMILY
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THE CULLMAN TIMES | FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 2012
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Red Cross responds, learns during crisis By Ashley Graves STAFF WRITER
Mike Bates didn't need many words to describe what the 24-hour period was like following the horrific April 27 tornadoes for his organization. All it took was one. Hectic. As the Red Cross director reached his office that morning, his phone rang about a family, who's home in Hanceville received damage from a line of storms that moved through in the early morning hours, needing shelter. It wasn't long after that when he received the same phone call regarding a different family. He got another minutes later. “I got three calls in less than an hour of families needing shelter,” Bates said. “I’m not very smart, but I figured a pattern was developing, and once you have that many, you start looking at shelters instead of hotels because of shear expense and the number of people.” Immediately, Bates and the Red Cross went into shelter mode in Hanceville, setting up a trailer at a church. However, while trying to get things up and running, Bates, along with a host of others, were forced to dodge wave after wave of storms — including the one that hit downtown — from the library near city hall. Because of that, it hampered efforts to get a shelter set up in Cullman as well. “About the time we would start to leave, another warning would go off,” Bates said. “I think we finally got back into Cullman around 10 that night and came back to complete darkness. I had to pull over at KFC on Highway 31 just to get an idea of where I was.” In the meantime, it wasn't until hours later when he found out the organization's building was in the path of the EF-4 tornado that tore through
FILE
The Red Cross office was moved after its building was destroyed by the April 27 tornado. downtown, creating another hurdle for them to try and clear. “We had supplies in there, so of course we couldn't get to those,” Bates said. “Luckily, we had propositioned some supplies in a storage building, but when we went to get them, we couldn't because we didn't have electricity to open the gate.” After making a few phone calls to see who could help, Walmart came to the rescue. “The manager showed up and let me in and gave us hundreds of dollars worth of stuff to get us started,” he said. “By then, the Distribution Center had kicked in, and the churches had started full force.”
Food, food everywhere As days went on, more and more continued to pitch in and help those in need. Both Jacks and Tyson cooked for several days straight. In addition, supplies began rolling in from all over by the truck loads, some
from Red Cross and others from different organizations. By the end, Bates said there was so much that they sent supplies out to other places. “We, as Red Cross, did our part, but there were a lot of other people that did their part as well,” Bates said. “So much work was done by volunteers and it was just amazing to watch everybody work together. There was food everywhere.I don't think it mattered if you were the richest or the poorest in Cullman, everybody chipped in together.” Javon Daniel, director for Cullman Caring For Kids Food Bank said his organization, too, was overwhelmed by the amount of supplies that came poring in. “In the months following, even though this community was hurt, people were still giving,” Daniel said. “I'm so thankful to God because he blessed us and all of the people that volunteered and contributed. He opened a window
and poured it out.” In all, Daniel said they had food brought in from 26 different states. With that, he added they gave away 175 care boxes to different areas affected by the storms. “That was our way of being an immediate impact,” Daniel said. Though the number of people coming in after the storm to get food wasn't as many as they had expected, he said the numbers in the moths since the storm have been up. “Through some of the outreach programs, they'll identify a family that was hurt by the storm and in need of food and send them to us,” Daniel said. "Even up until the last few weeks, we were able to help out through the food bank.” The Red Cross shelter, which was set up at the Cullman Civic Center, remained for a week before moving to the fairgrounds. It was there, where Red Cross hooked up with Unsheltered
International and continued to stock food for days upon end. "Again, we've had lots of pats on the back for what we were able to do, but we were just one of the many that provided services in the following days and weeks," Bates said. "One of the biggest benefits we were able to provide was the truck loads of stuff that we were able to sent out. People gave to us, and we were able to give to someone else." Since that time, Bates said a lot has been learned. “The biggest thing that is still helping us, is we had dozens of volunteers trained in disaster relief that weren't before,” he said. “Now they know what to do, when to do it and where to do it. Red Cross has now been restructured to hopefully better deal with things like this in the future." ➤ Ashley Graves can be reached by phone at 734-2131, ext. 225 or by email at agraves@cullmantimes.com
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THE CULLMAN TIMES | FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 2012
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Have plan ready for when disaster strikes By Benjamin Bullard STAFF WRITER
Emergency officials say keeping yourself and your loved ones safe when severe weather comes along is mostly a simple matter of awareness and preparedness. There’s a lot of information out there designed to help families stay informed and ready — and, while much of it may seem repetitive, state and local EMA officials point out that there’s no such thing as being ‘too prepared’ or too knowledgeable about safety. Information complied by the state EMA reveals that Alabama has more tornadorelated fatalities than any other state, and ranks fifth in the number of so-called ‘killer tornadoes‘ — that is, tornadoes responsible for at least one fatality each — among the 50 states. Part of lowering such unfortunate statistics must rely on the public knowing how to assess the situation they’re in when a tornado comes — and what the best response for each situation is. For example, if you’re traveling in a car when a tornado immediately threatens, your options for staying safe are very different from, and more limited than, those of a person who’s at home watching the weather reports playing out on live TV. In a wood-frame or masonry dwelling (or any other small building), the smallest interior room on the lowest level of the structure (a basement is preferable) is typically the spot safest from a tornado’s winds and the flying debris they carry. Get underneath a sturdy table or inside a bathtub, with a cover of heavy blankets or quilts for skin protection. If you can, use a bicycle or motorcycle helmet to protect your head. If you’re caught in a vehicle during a tornado, on the other hand, the Alabama EMA rec-
FILE
Volunteers remove debris in the Historic District following the April 27, 2011 tornado. ommends either attempting to outrun the storm — if you can safely and surely assess its direction and speed — or to park and take shelter in a ditch or other low-lying area that puts sufficient distance between you and your car (or similar heavy objects). Best of all, EMA literature advises not to “...put yourself in the position to have to choose between these options.” Those who find themselves a mobile home receive similar advice: if you can, leave for a place of greater safety. By staying up to date on weather conditions and not being caught unprepared, you can leave a mobile home well in advance of approaching severe weather and find shelter in a location you know to be safe. In Cullman County, there are at least eight community
safe rooms (and more on the way) that the local EMA has verified as safe shelters from tornadoes, and that are assured to be opened in the event of a tornado watch or warning. See the accompanying article for more on where these public shelters are located, as well as guidelines for using them. They’re great places to go if you live in a mobile home or occupy any other structure that won’t withstand tornado-strength winds. In each of the above scenarios, the most important point to remember is to have a plan; to know what to do and where to go long before you’re faced with an urgent situation that demands you to make impromptu choices about your safety. EMA officials offer a couple of tips that go a long
way toward helping individuals and families know what they’ll do, and where they’ll go, when tornadoes sweep into their area. ➤ Have a plan —For residents of tornado-prone regions, responding to news of an approaching tornado should become a matter of acting on instinct. At work or in the home, determine whom you’re responsible for protecting, and review the steps for taking shelter with each person in that group. Go over how each of you must act in all the scenarios mentioned above, and make sure everyone knows exactly what responses are appropriate for each situation. Then discuss whom each should contact after the storm, and what to do in the event of power outages, destruction or
— in the worst-case scenario — injury. ➤ Buy and program a NOAA weather radio — EMA officials repeatedly stress this is one of the single most significant things Alabamians can do to ensure their safety during severe weather. That’s because weather radios do one thing, and do it well — they get your attention when tornadoes are approaching you. NOAA weather radios broadcast National Weather Service updates continuously, but switch over to emergency programming — signaled by an alert tone — when threatening weather approaches the location for which it is programmed. The radios are programmed to respond to threats that cover very specific locations, in order to deliver information that’s relevant only to those who reside in areas that are likely to be affected. This technology — called SAME (Specific Area Message Encoding) — relies on the nearest NOAA weather radio transmitter, and there’s one of those in Cullman County. Its transmitter number is 001043. Visit http://www.nws.noaa.gov/nw r/same.htm for information on how to program your weather radio, or contact the Cullman County Emergency Management Office at 256739-5410 for assistance. ➤ Keep essential info at hand — Visit http://www.ready.gov/sites/d efault/files/documents/files/ Family_Emergency_Plan.pdf for a handy checkoff sheet that allows you to keep important names and contact information at hand, and make sure that everyone in your emergency action plan has a copy. ➤ Benjamin Bullard can be reached by e-mail at bbullard@cullmantimes.com or by telephone at 734-2131 ext. 270.
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Businesses see rebuilding as a new chance at growth By Trent Moore STAFF WRITER
N
early 100 businesses were damaged in the City of Cullman on April 27, 2011 — with several completely destroyed — though the adversity hasn’t dampened the spirits of those business owners who call downtown home. Bill St. John, owner of the downtown engineering firm St. John & Associates, had his old location all but destroyed by the April tornadoes that ripped through the area, buried under two large trees uprooted by the tornadoes. “Our original office was an old house,” he said. “Once that happened we had to move out immediately, and we’ve been in a temporary location ever since.” St. John’s new location will sit at his old site on First Avenue SE, but the location will be about the only similarity. The new building will feature a brick facade, with dark green, steel accents. “We’re pretty steady at it and we’ve been plugging away for a while,” he said. “I think we’ll be in around September AMANDA SHAVERS-DAVIS/THE CULLMAN TIMES or October.” Longtime downtown barber Bo Waldrep held a private opening April 17, 2012 for his new East Side Barber Shop. The original location was Rebuilding hasn’t been completely destroyed in the April 27 storms. easy, but St. John said he a nice facelift, and I’ve been the Busy Bee. whatever we rebuild will believes downtown will be the get back home. very, pleasantly surprised at “April 27 was a big blow to better for it once work is comOwner Kitty Spears, who is probably be there for the rest us, and my building was com- the progress and advancehosing a grand opening today, of our lives,” city council presplete. ment in the look with a nice ident Garlan Gudger, Jr. said said she’s excited to finally “I’m really excited about it, pletely destroyed, along with small-town feel,” Echols said. reopen after a year of being in a previous interview. “It’d most of my equipment,” he and I think all the rebuilding “Cullman has always had that, shut down. be doing a disservice to the said. “It was great to be able that’s been done has been a but it kind of unifies it, so to to come here and get back “I’m excited, but also nerv- people, if everyone was satisreal improvement to downfied with the status quo, to ous, because we’ve been out town, and I hope we will, too,” started, but we’re looking for- speak, rather than having a hodge-podge of different just build back haphazardly. ward to being back at our of the loop for so long,” she he said. “It’s a shame it hapstyles. I know a lot of other What we want to do is rebuild home spot over there, and said. “I mean, now I really pened, but I think we’ll end correctly the first time, in have a reason to get up, up with things better than we hopefully when we get back it business owners are very energetic, and I see more such a way that it really honwill jump start some other again.” had before.” progress in the future.” ors not only the architecture, projects around us. It’s been a For city officials, rebuilding Dentist Dr. Jonathan but this community’s way of long hard road, but we’re seeWith an underground utili- represents an opportunity to Echols, whose Sixth Avenue life even more so than before ing the light at the end of the ties plan being implemented, fix problems that had existed office was destroyed during April 27.” and a streetscaping project in for decades, and foster a new the tornado, has been operat- tunnel.” the works, city leaders want to spirit of growth in the downAs for the future? Echols ing out of a temporary office prove downtown is still viable. town area. said he believes tornado ➤ Trent Moore can be at Cullman Regional Medical Their example is the iconic recovery can be a catalyst for reached by e-mail at “We have a blank canvas Center ever since the storm. intersection of Fifth Street SE trentm@cullmantimes.com, or for the first time since our But, work is already underway downtown, it will just take and First Avenue SE, home to forefathers built these buildby telephone at 734-2131, ext. on a new downtown building, time. Cullman’s oldest restaurant 220. “Downtown has really had ings in the late 1800s, and and he said he can’t wait to
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BRIEFS Tornado recovery Project Rebound is a not-for-profit community organization staffed with caring professionals ready to lend a helping hand. In the aftermath of the tornadoes of April 27, 2011, Project Rebound is available to assist survivors with emotional issues, financial concerns, and personal problems. The organization also supports survivors by offering connections to free resources available to the community as part of the recovery process. With the anniversary of the April tornadoes fast approaching, Project Rebound serves survivors by offering 24/7 emotional support. This program is available until June 25, 2012. Contact them in Cullman County at 256-727-5308 or prebound27@gmail.com; or statewide at 800-639-7326 or on Facebook.
Tornado cafe St. John’s Evangelical Protestant Church, 512 2nd Ave. SE, Cullman, AL
35055, will hold special services on the anniversary of the tornadoes, April 27. A service of prayer will begin at 10:30 a.m. in the church sanctuary, with a complimentary lunch from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Christ Hall. Anyone may attend this time of remembrance and celebration. For more information, contact Rev. John Richter or Karen Hassell at 256734-0344.
City Parks and Rec to host concert In commemoration of the April 27, 2011, tornadoes, Cullman City Parks and Recreation will host a concert, “Rock the South,” at 5 p.m. April 27, at Heritage Park (gates open at 3 p.m.). Guest performers will be Dierks Bentley and former American Idol star, Kellie Pickler. Other bands will also play. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the gate. For more information, email cturner@cullmanrecreation.org.
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THE CULLMAN TIMES | FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 2012
We Want To Salute Our Citizens & Volunteers For All Their Hard Work And Support!
Kenneth Nail - Mayor Charles Wilson, Jimmy Sawyer, Joann Walls, Kim Brown, Sally Alexander, Tania C. Wilcox
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Billy and Wilma Richard rebuilding their dream house By Loretta Gillespie
saying he couldn’t hear what was going on outside. As they quieted just a little ifteen minutes….about bit, they heard what sounded the time it takes to drive like part of the roof being torn from Cullman to West off the house. Then quiet… Point. Or run to the bank, read They waited until they were the paper, blow dry your hair sure the winds had died down, or eat a hamburger. Less time then went upstairs to assess than it takes to cook a TV dinthe damage to the roof. It wasner. n’t as bad as they had feared, You can also lose everyalthough there was a tree thing you have in those few down on the roof — it could minutes. That’s what haphave been worse. pened to one Crane Hill famiWhen Billy rounded the ly. corner and looked up toward Billy and Wilma Richard the hill where his house had lived in their dream house. been, he saw only part of the Built in 1898, the Victorian downstairs walls, downed farm house was perched on a trees, and debris where his hill near Trimble and Crane stately home had been only Hill. For all of its existence — minutes before. well over a century — it had “Oh, my gosh, our house, been a local landmark, and Wilma!” exclaimed Billy. “It’s was on the Alabama Historical gone!” Register. “We were in shock,” said When the Richards bought Wilma Richard with a shake of it in 1964, it had no bathroom her head. and no running water. It was They attempted to get back in need of a little sprucing up, up the hill – they’d left their but it was a solid old house, CONTRIBUTED Doberman Pincher, Daisy Lou, built to last. Its most outlocked inside. Billy and Wilma Richard point out the unique features of the home they lost to the April 27, 2012 torstanding feature was a graceThere were trees everynado. Grandson Tyler Richard, right, has fond memories of the house which was built in 1898, and was fully outlined curved porch where. What would normally on the Alabama Historic Register. where the family often gathhave taken less than 30 secered to watch the grandchilonds to drive was now the time they locked the door dren searching for eggs, playimpassable. Billy dodged trees until they were back. ing games and all too quickly, and debris, making his way up “This house has been here growing up. They raised three toward what was left of his for over a 100 years, it’s ridden strong sons in that house, home. When he got to the out a lot of tornadoes,” Billy rocked eight grandchildren, back door he was frustrated to said as they got in the car. ate countless meals and slept find that although the house When they rounded the corsafely sheltered under its roof. ner of the basement of their looked like a bomb had On the morning of April 27, son Darrell’s house, they met exploded, the back door was 2012, there had been a tornasafely locked and he couldn’t their daughter-in-law, Melissa, do in nearby Hanceville. It get to his dog. The front door in the doorway. promised to be one of those was blocked by a 100-year-old She was scanning the sky. days when people cast a weary “It looked about like it looks oak tree. eye to the sky, watching for Minutes later, a neighbor, today,” said Melissa, pointing something they hope never to toward the lowering northJordan Hancock, arrived to see. find out if they were alright. western sky. “It was overcast, At around 4:45, the When he heard about the dog, but not much, and there was Richard’s grandson, Tyler, who not even any wind blowing.” he crawled in through the lives just down the road (withfractured walls and over broThey were on the southeast in hollering distance), called CONTRIBUTED ken glass and furniture to resside of the house. All of a sudto tell them that a tornado had den they heard 17-year-old cue Daisy Lou, who was "This old well with a hand pump is original to the house that was been spotted in nearby Crane Tyler shout from the top of the blown away. It still works and will stand proudly near the steps lead- miraculously unharmed. Hill. They reluctantly left their stairs, “It’s here! It’s here!” he The family gingerly picked ing to the Richard's new sunroom. Wilma and Melissa Richard still home, locking the door cried, rushing down the steps miss the old home place but are looking forward to making the new their way through mountains behind them, thinking they’d of debris to what would have with his dogs. They all hit the house ‘home’ to the whole Richard family." only be gone for a few minbeen their kitchen. Colton was floor. Billy, Wilma, Tyler, Colton. fact, they prayed so loud that utes — and actually they were Melissa, and her 14-year-old, The family began to pray. In Billy finally shushed them, Please see RICHARD Page 24 — about fifteen minutes from CORRESPONDENT
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RICHARD FROM PAGE 21
CONTRIBUTED
Perched atop a hill, the house looked like a post card in last year's big snow. The Richard's raised three strong sons in this house, rocked eight grandchildren, ate countless meals and slept safely sheltered under its roof.
CONTRIBUTED
When Billy Richard got to the back door he was frustrated to find that although the house looked like a bomb had exploded, the back door was safely locked and he couldn’t get to his dog. The front door was blocked by a 100-year-old oak tree.
CONTRIBUTED
Now, almost a year to the day later, they are again choosing modern appliances for their home – only this time it’s a brand new brick house with a basement for taking shelter from the storms of life. They hope to be in it by Mother’s Day. “We want to make this a home for our family to come back to,” said Wilma Richard.
physically ill at the sight of the destruction. They began to gather up what they could salvage — what they would need for the rest of the night. Neighbors and callers told them that there was another tornado watch in effect. They looked up over the skeletal studs of the second story to see a sky filled with low-hanging clouds. There was no roof left. “The house looked as if it had been twisted on its frame,” described Wilma. Just a few months before she had organized her photos in a large tote. It had been upstairs, but they noticed it sitting in the back yard. Although she remembers having left the lid off of the tote, not one picture was disturbed. Two weeks later they would find an antique chair covered in pink velvet over the hill behind the house. They never did find the little chair with the cane bottom that Wilma’s father had made for her over 70 years ago. Out back where Billy’s cookie jars were stored in a building, only about 40 of the 400 in his collection were left. Their chicken house, which was used for storage, was gone, as was the little garage. There was many a tear shed that day. Not only was their home gone, but they mourned the loss of the place where their memories were made. “Christmas and Easter were big around here,” smiled Billy. “We always had a tradition of letting a different grandchild put Baby Jesus in the manger.” When Easter rolled around, they threw dozens of eggs all over the hill and sat, laughing as they watched grandchildren scampering here and there searching for the prize egg. There were other memories — a family of 20 people sitting together for Christmas
brunch, lighting the Christmas tree, grandchildren learning to walk and talk. Of life lived under a roof in a house filled with love. “One of the county agents was here once and he pointed to a spot under a tree and said, ‘Indian’s played under that tree,’” Billy recalled, pointing to a snapshot of the fallen oak. Billy’s dad made the first cabinets that were ever installed in the house. When they moved in they could see chickens under the floor through cracks in the worn linoleum. The Richards’ pharmacist got a call from South Pittsburgh, Tennessee. Someone had found a prescription with their name on it, as well as the name and phone number of the pharmacy. “They just wanted to know if ya’ll were alright,” their druggist told them. They had worked on it, making it a little larger, adding modern conveniences, giving it the love and care that people who treasure old things are wont to do…. Now, almost a year to the day later, they are again choosing modern appliances for their home — only this time it’s a brand new brick house with a basement for taking shelter from the storms of life. They hope to be in it by Mother’s Day. “We want to make this a home for our family to come back to,” said Wilma. “I’d always told my kids that if it got rough out there in the world, they had a home on the hill to come back to,” said Billy. Well, it did get rough out there for the Richard family. So rough, that the home they’d shared for so long was now only a memory. But they know that the important thing is that they are together. They can always make more memories.
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THE CULLMAN TIMES | FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 2012
Walker Brothers, LTD. would like to recognize all the communities of Cullman County who have worked tirelessly this year in their efforts to rebuild.
Rodney and Leslie Suddeth
Terry and Gail Maynard
Walker Brothers, LTD. would like to take this opportunity to express our gratitude to everyone who allowed us to assist them with their rebuilding after the tornadoes. It truly was our pleasure to be able to work with you in the construction of your new homes. We wish everyone who has completed their new homes the best, and to everyone who is still working we hope for your continued strength as the process continues. 151008
Highway 69, Baileyton • 256-796-2211
Highway Highway 69, 69, Baileyton Baileyton • • 256-796-2211 256-796-2211
THE CULLMAN TIMES | FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 2012
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We are proud to be a part of such a great community. The days after the storm proved what Cullman is all about. Character. Neighbor helping neighbor, stranger helping stranger and we tried to do our part to help.
Honored to serve Cullman for 50 years. Proud to be a part of this resilient community.
We loaned about a dozen vehicles out to our neighbors that lost theirs. We, along with GMC, donated a brand new, full size cargo van to the local United Way packed full of supplies like diapers, flashlights, and bottled water... We also set up a big trailer to collect items our neighbors needed and we gave away cooler after cooler of ice just to name a few of things we did to give back.
1704 2nd Avenue NW, Cullman, AL 35055 Mon. - Fri. 9:00 - 6:00 Sat. 9:00 am - 4 pm
56016
Helping out isn’t our obligation. It is our honor and privilege. Thank you for allowing us to serve you over the past 50 years and we look forward to the next 50.
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Proud to be a part of Cullman since 1949
THE CULLMAN TIMES | FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 2012
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Locally owned & operated by the Shaddix Family. Proudly serving Cullman and it’s surrounding areas since 1964.
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2011 Reader’s Choice Winner
THE CULLMAN TIMES | FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 2012
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Mennonite Christian Aid Ministries By Loretta Gillespie
P
erhaps at some point during the recent tornado recovery effort you noticed that one group of men and women who joined in the cleanup were of the Mennonite faith. They came without being asked, because it is what they do in times like that. They went about their task quietly and efficiently, often times stopping to have prayer with a distraught family. Dressed simply in traditional Mennonite clothing, the women wearing a covering over their heads and long cotton dresses covered by aprons or sweaters, they came to extend a hand in Christian fellowship, and offering to help in clearing away debris. Each year since it’s beginning in 1982, the Amish and Mennonite outreach program, Christian Aid Ministries (CAM) supplies approximately 15 million pounds of food, clothing, medicines, seeds, Bibles, Bible story books, and other Christian literature for needy people. Most of the aid goes to orphans and Christian families. Supporters' funds also help put up Gospel billboards, cleanup and rebuild for natural disaster victims, support several church-planting efforts, operate two CAM medical clinics, and provide resources for needy families to make their own living. “Our main purposes for providing aid are to help and encourage God's people and bring the Gospel to a lost and dying world,” said CAM Field Director Willie Miller. In North Alabama, we have seen the fruits of their labor in every community which was hit by the tornadoes of last April 27, and again more recently when the destruction was repeated in Limestone and Madison counties March 2, 2012.
CONTRIBUTED
Calvin Yoder Sr. and his son, Calvin Jr., cut laminate flooring for the house they are helping to build for a tornado victim in Hackleburg. Calvin Yoder of Falkville is the area coordinator of the branch of CAM associated with the Mennonite Church in southern Morgan County near the Cullman and Lawrence county lines. “People are in shock when something like this happens to them,” explained Yoder. “We come to help wherever help is needed. One man said, ‘I know you are not doing this for nothing,’ but we told him that we never charge anyone for helping.” “We were able to give the gift of God’s love to families in need,” he said humbly. “CAM is largely a volunteer organization aside from management, supervisory personnel, and bookkeeping operations. Each year, volunteers at our warehouse, field bases, disaster response services, and
other locations donate over 200,000 hours of work,” said Miller. “We help anyone with cleanup,” Miller continued. “It’s a privilege to help. Our ultimate purpose is to glorify God and help enlarge His kingdom,” he said. This verse in the Bible explains it all, ". . . whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God." (1 Corinthians 10:31). Miller likens the organization to a miniature volunteer fire department. “We have rapid responders who keep equipment on trailers ready to go. We bring tools for cleanup, water pumps, and other emergency necessities,” he explained. “While we are there we get acquainted with the community, assess their needs, and if there are people who qualify, we can send in
the rebuilding teams to help people in rebuilding their homes.” Originally begun as small firefighting teams in their own communities, this ministry has branched out all over the United States. Since last year’s horrific tornado, the rebuilding teams have been helping to rebuild homes in Franklin County. To date, they have helped to build 14 homes since that time, by providing free labor and using their own equipment. They also help with filling out forms and dispensing information about the rebuilding process. Homeowners must qualify, and furnish their own building materials. “Christian Aid Ministries' primary purpose is to be a trustworthy and efficient
channel for Amish, Mennonite, and other conservative Anabaptist groups and individuals to minister to physical and spiritual needs around the world. This is in response to the command ". . . do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith" (Galatians 6:10)” said Miller. According to the CAM website, the Disaster Response Services (DRS) coordinates volunteers to rebuild in natural disaster areas in the USA by providing a long-term recovery and rebuilding program for disaster victims who qualify. They offer free labor to rebuild for those who are uninsured or under-insured. Hundreds of volunteers have donated thousands of Please see MENNONITE Page 29
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THE CULLMAN TIMES | FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 2012
MENNONITE FROM PAGE 29 hours serving in communities crippled by floods, hurricanes, and tornadoes. “These projects provide excellent opportunities to share the love of Christ with those suffering devastation and loss. A total of 2,100 DRS volunteers donated approximately 52,330 hours in 2010,” said Miller. “We have a motto,” chuckled Miller. “Feed ‘em, work ‘em hard, and they will come back,” he said, referring to the volunteers who come from Amish and Mennonite communities, not only in North Alabama, but all over the country. Normally they come for a week at a time, then others rotate into their positions. Everything is so well organized that one volunteer can lay down a hammer and the next can come right along and pick it up without missing a beat. For Yoder, this ministry has struck close to home on several occasions. From Madison to Limestone, Morgan, Cullman, Franklin and Lawrence counties, on sideroads and highways along path of destruction, their quiet presence was known. By the very act of their coming, unbidden, to be of help to these storm victims, they showed their love of Christ by loving their neighborseven though they were strangers. They were not the only group who helped, of course, but the fact that they have made advance preparations to be of help by forming Christian Aid Ministries Disaster Response Services has caught the attention of these communities. They have been called angels, blessings, a Godsend, the “hands and feet of Jesus” by the many people
CONTRIBUTED
Byron Heatwole from the Mennonite community in Virginia, discusses the flooring in one of the houses he is volunteering to help build. Volunteers rotate in and out as their regular jobs allow, usually staying one or two weeks at a time. who have been on the receiving end of their ministry. Although local communities have wonderful first responders, Emergency Management Agencies and other local emergency response programs, there was such devastation in the aftermath of these recent tornadoes that every hand, every strong back, every chainsaw and piece of heavy equipment, every man, woman and child who was old enough, were needed to do everything from coordinating the volunteers, feeding both victims and volunteers, giving physical and spiritual aid to the survivors, bringing water, ice and medical supplies, to putting actual boots on the ground
where it was needed to salvage what little was left in some places. They came, as did many, many others, with a servant’s heart and a willingness to do for others without recompense. When everything you have is gone, looking up to see the compassionate faces of such volunteers must be an incredibly welcome sight. The fact that the area Mennonites extend this blessing shows what good neighbors they are. In their own way, they, among other volunteers, showed us the kindness and love of God — just when we needed it the most. CAM is a non-profit, taxexempt 501(c)(3) organization.
CONTRIBUTED
Calvin Yoder measures carefully as he prepares to cut material for the last of the14 houses that Christian Aid Ministries is building for tornado victims in Hackleburg, Alabama. Christian Aid Ministries, and outreach of Mennonite and Amish faiths, will provide free labor and use their own equipment for underinsured or uninsured tornado victims that qualify. Homeowners who do qualify must provide their own building materials..
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THE CULLMAN TIMES | FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 2012
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SHANE TOWNSEND OWNER WE’VE ADDED A LARGER SELECTION OF TOWING AND TRAILER ACCESSORIES ALONG WITH MARINE AND SMALL ENGINE PARTS NAPA AUTO PARTS 413 6TH AVE. SW CULLMAN, AL 35055
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THE CULLMAN TIMES | FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 2012
Fire department radio a lifesaver for couple By Ashley Graves STAFF WRITER
B
ud James witnessed a lot throughout his roughly 30 years of service with the Fairview Volunteer Fire Department. However, he said nothing can quite compare to what he saw on April 27 a year ago. After learning there was a possibility for severe weather, he and his wife Jean, decided they would stick around their house located on County Road 1528. For most of the day, the two sat out on their front porch, as they do often, and watched cars go by. But, by late that afternoon, their weather radio began going off and the storm sirens around them began sounding. With the EF-4 tornado bearing down on the city, it was only seconds later that the EMA radio transmitter lost power. Had it not been for Bud's fire department radio, he and Jean would have had no idea it was heading their way. "It's a blessing we had his radio," Jean said. "That's all we had." Four minutes after heeding the warning and scrambling to get to their basement, the storm came down on the James' residence, tossing their home from its foundation. "The noise was unreal,"Bud said. "It sounded exactly the way people describe it, like a freight train, though Jean said she thought we were having an earthquake.” Not only was there nothing left of their home, the walls in the basement where they were taking shelter had caved in, trapping them inside for a short time. "I had freezers full of food in the basement, and luckily, the floor joist caught the top of the freezer so it wouldn't fall on us," Jean said. "We were only trapped for about 10-15 minutes, but it seemed much
CONTRIBUTED
The James family were in this house when a tornado hit April 27, 2011. longer." Meanwhile, across the way, Steve Means and his wife watched from their yard as the tornado hit the James' house. Jumping on his 4-wheeler, he quickly made it to what remained of the home. Pulling cinder blocks from the basement wall, Means helped free Bud and Jean, along with their granddaughter, her husband and son. "He was our guardian angel," Jean said. "We didn't know him at the time. We were very glad that he came to make sure that all of us were out of the house and safe." Thankfully, she added, everyone made it out with no scratches or bruises. “About the only thing we came out with was dirt,” she said laughing. “You wouldn't believe all of the dirt that came in." In the week following, the two stayed with their daughter at her home in Morgan County, until a temporary
trailer could be placed at the site of their old home at the first of May. Bud and Jean stayed there until moving into their new home in August. “It was wonderful getting back into our home,” Jean said. She added, that she and Bud use to spend a lot of time camping, but after spending several months living in a trailer, that might have to wait a while before they do that again. “Right after we moved back into our house, Bud told me, ‘I never want to camp again,’” she said. “But, you have to have a positive outlook when it comes to things like that.” Instead of building their home back the way it was, the James’ new home was designed for older people, Jean said, with doors large enough for a wheelchair and walker to get through. There is one thing though, she had to have back. “I love my porch,” she said.
FILE
Steve Means, right, with the James family at a reception in March. The Cullman Times honored Means as a Unsung Hero. “I have to have it.” ➤ Ashley Graves can be
reached by phone at 734-2131, ext. 225 or by email at agraves@cullmantimes.com
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STATE
Exhibit examines historic tornado outbreak ASSOCIATED PRESS
BIRMINGHAM — Nearly a year after devastating storms cost Alabama hundreds of lives and billions of dollars in damage, there is still a mountain of knowledge to be gleaned. Through the lens of science, McWane Science Center hopes to bridge that gap with “The Tornadoes of April 27th: Looking Back — Moving Forward.” Still images and film will recount the aftermath of that Wednesday. Artifacts from the community, together with documentaries made by Daniel Payne Middle School students, will reveal the heartbreak and personal tragedies. Birmingham News photographs, Fox 6 footage and a large timeline display will chart the course of the storms. Data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration will show satellite images, forecasts and video. Maps provided by the Geological Survey of Alabama will disclose how crucial information was provided to first responders. Most important, visitors can take away valuable information about preparedness in case another disaster threatens, whether a tornado, hurricane, lightning, flood or winter weather. “We’re trying to tell our community story and the story of the science behind it,” said curator Erik Lizee. “We don’t want it to be sensational. We want to be factual. We want kids to know what can happen so they can be prepared, but we don’t want to scare people unnecessarily.” One kiosk will focus on disaster preparedness. “It explains what is fact and what is fiction,” Lizee said. “For example, if you hide in a certain corner of your house, you will be OK. That’s typically not
accurate.” Another kiosk is a quiz about what things to store in case of an emergency. “You make a choice between plastic fruit or plastic sheathing,” he said. “Or an MP3 player versus a radio, or milk versus water.” Another area will detail the anatomy of a tornado. “The graphic will show how the tornado starts as a super cell and warm air comes in,” explained Chandler Bibb. Students from one of the most stricken areas of the April storms will be telling their own story. Michele Forman, UAB’s director of visual literacy and co-director of the Media Studies Program, brought UAB students to Daniel Payne Middle School in Pratt City to help them learn video techniques and conduct interviews. Driving to Pratt City in October and November, Forman was deeply affected by the experience. “I saw blue tarps and tree trunks all leaning in one direction,” she said. “It was so stark — a reminder of the force of the storm. But the classroom was organized, like life has carried on, until you talk to the kids. You hear what they are carrying inside them, what it means to them every time they see clouds overhead.” Hearing stories coming from kids their own age is a valuable part of the exhibit, said Forman. “McWane is a place for kids to gain knowledge from adults and experts, but it will be a nice change for children who visit the exhibit to learn lessons from other kids their own age,” she said. Included are a story from one student about hiding under a car when the tornado went by. Another, who was not personally affected, brought in an artifact - a single glove used
ASSOCIATED PRESS
In this May 6, 2011, file photo, a cross stands outside the Long Memorial Methodist church in Cordova, Ala. Communities across Alabama are planning events to mark the first anniversary of the tornadoes that killed more than 250 people in the state. to help neighbors clean debris. “One of the students said that when storms or sirens come during the night, CI get into bed with my mom again,”’ Forman said. The exhibition, which will be displayed through October
or November, also outlines reconstruction efforts. NOAA photographs reveal progress in Tuscaloosa and Pratt City. Architectural drawings from the American Institute of Architects show plans to rebuild Pratt City.
“This is how we rebuild a community - with architects and city planners,” said Lizee. “They’re talking to residents of Pratt City, asking what they would like to see to make it better, and how to design those things the community wants.”
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THE CULLMAN TIMES | FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 2012
COMMENTARY
Preparing for future disasters
T
unexpectedly, because of high demand for contractors and materials, you will have extra funds to cover the bill. If a tornado were to destroy or damage your home, would you have the right insurance coverage to replace your possessions? If you were handed pen and paper and told to list everything in your home completely from memory, could you? Is your jewelry or other valuables covered in a standard homeowner’s policy? According to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), more than half of Americans don't have a home inventory of their possessions, leading to inadequate home insurance coverage. Many of those affected by last April’s storms will tell you they wish they had created an inventory of their possessions. We all hope never again to experience or witness the devastation of April 27, 2011. On this important anniversary, let’s take the proper actions to ensure we sufficiently protect our families, ourselves, and our property in the future. ➤ Renee Carter is the state director for the Alabama Insurance Information Service (AIIS), a non-lobbying, not-for-profit industry association that provides information about homeowners, renters, automobile, business and workers compensation insurance to the public. She can be reached at rcater@aiisnews.org.
Simply put, we are proud. We are proud of our county and the rebuilding efforts of all involved. We are proud of our companies’ relentless will to handle the April claims with honesty and integrity. We are proud of our customers support and understanding during the claim process. We are proud of our neighbors rebuilding and welcome home. Yes, we are proud to be KnightFree Insurance, we are still here and we are ready to serve you!
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as quickly as possible. To date, insurers have he first anniversary paid nearly $3 billion of the April 27 tor- dollars for damages nadoes that ripped occurring on April 27. Of nearly 127,000 claims through northern and filed as a result of the central Alabama last April 27 storms, more year will be difficult for everyone affected, espe- than 98 percent have been closed. For some cially those who lost insurance companies, loved ones in the storms. The devastation the number of claims received for damages was collective, public, caused by the events of and traumatic. The 62 that one day was the tornadoes that struck number of claims typiground in Alabama cally received in a whole affected half the state, killing 247 people. It was year. However, there was nothing typical about a horrifying and tragic, yet historic, day that left the April 27 storms, which the Alabama much of Alabama in Department of shambles. Insurance has designatThis anniversary will ed as a one in 250-year be a complex mix of event. emotion — recalling The events of April 27 loss, honoring life, acknowledging the tran- prove any of us could be affected by these types sitions and changes for of storms in the future. individuals, families, Seek help from your and communities — in insurer now to be preattempts to balance the pared before a catastroremembering and forphe strikes. getting. Though it is If a tornado were to time for remembering destroy or damage your and mourning, it is also home, would you have time to focus on recovthe right insurance covery… that which has erage to rebuild your already taken place and house? Be aware that that which is ongoing. The storms had bare- your home may cost significantly more to ly abated when donarebuild than to purchase tions and volunteers in the currently deflated began flooding impacthousing market. If you ed areas, emergency purchase policy covermanagement agencies age of $150,000 because launched rescue and that is the appraised recovery, and insurers mobilized highly experi- market value of your home, but the cost of enced catastrophe rebuilding your home is teams. While churches and other organizations $180,000, you may belatedly discover you are assembled care packshort $30,000. Ask your ages and government insurance company agencies cleared enormous amounts of debris, about an extended or guaranteed replacement insurance companies cost policy which probegan the process of vides a certain amount providing their customers with the support over the policy limit to rebuild your home — if they needed to restore building costs go up their lives to normalcy
By Renee Carter
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