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au_ee · 05-03-2011, 07:13 PM

This is my first time on since the tornado last week. Our neighborhood was hit by two tornados. One was an F5. Not sure of the second ones category. There are 28 homes in the subdivision. All but 4 were destroyed. There are many more in North Alabama in this condition. Fortunately we only had one injury in our s/d. Our house, car and truck were totaled. The AS was in storage and not touched by the storm. It is very encouraging that so many people in the county have pulled together to help those impacted. On one day we had 30 or more people in our yard helping to clean up. Every one of the trees were uprooted and the chainsaws were going! We even had a church group from Indiana helping out. FEMA finally declared Limestone and Madison counties a disaster area. For some reason we didn't rate since the death rate wasn't as high as some areas even though the damage was as bad. Oh well, better late than never.

exthemius · 05-03-2011, 07:28 PM

Jeez...I don't even know what to say except that at least everyone is okay and you didn't get hurt. Hopefully the insurance process won't take too long and you guys can collectively start to rebuild your lives!

Melody Ranch · 05-03-2011, 07:33 PM

I have been fortunate with storms. Missed 'em all even thought they are always close. Is there anything, and I mean it, anything, you all need to get you through the next few months? Please lets us know.

gwchitty · 05-03-2011, 07:36 PM

Yikes! Sorry to hear of your and so many others losses. At least you still have your AS to act as temporary housing. We watched the big tornado come from Tuscaloosa towards us on the southeast corner of Birmingham when it veered north. Then last weekend we camped at Wind Creek only to find the Kowaliga end of Lake Martin closed due to tornado damage and body recovery. Hang in there!

**moosetags** · 05-03-2011, 07:48 PM

We are very sorry to hear about your loss and disruption of your life. I can hardly image how empty you must feel. At least your Airstream was spared and you will have someplace familiar to stay. We are glad to hear that you and your family are safe.

Lance M · 05-03-2011, 07:55 PM

I'm very happy that y'all had no injuries. I'm sorry for the loss of your house and belongings. It is a really bad deal. Unfortunately I know the feeling. When I was growing up in Iowa as a young boy our farm was hit by a tornado. The only thing left was the garage and the house. I wish you the best. Take care!

cms4140 · 05-03-2011, 08:01 PM

Steve,
Glad you and yours are ok, but sorry to hear of your loss of property. We missed the full impact of the Tuscaloosa/Birmingham storm by about a mile. Total devastation within walking distance of my home. We are fortunate to only have a little bit of roof damage which is so negligible in comparison. My home town of Cullman is also devastated - heart breaking to watch all the coverage there. Send me a PM if there is anything we can do to help you. I am only about 70 miles away.

-Chris

wheel interested · 05-03-2011, 08:20 PM

I am very sorry to hear that. I am glad no one was hurt in your subdivision. Such loss on a huge scale is hard to comprehend fully. I hope that efforts continue and that your process of rebuilding continues rapidly to bring you closer to having your home again and that the disater area volunteers continue to reach out and assist as you all sort through the tremendous clean-up and restructuring.

stowaways · 05-03-2011, 08:40 PM

Steve and Beth, lost a house once to a fire. So surreal -- I remember noticing the little things first that were gone -- my toothbrush, my makeup, even my coffee cup. It's life changing for sure. I'm glad to hear so many people are there to help you rebuild. We're complete strangers, but would be glad to help in any way that we can. If you have puppies that need dog food, cats that need treats, a new bed, etc., we'd be glad to help there too!

tlsmit1 · 05-03-2011, 09:16 PM

Wow, that is so terrible. We barely escaped the tornados in St. Louis. They hit within a mile of our house and a block of my parents'. Are you staying in the AS or in a hotel? What a nightmare. You are in our prayers. Kindest wishes, T

whitsend · 05-03-2011, 09:51 PM

Steve & Beth - I can only repeat Melody Ranch's offer ~ If there is anything this community can do to help & support you & your family thru this horror, please let us know.

Airslide · 05-03-2011, 09:59 PM

Immediately two things come to mind here..

1. I am so sorry to hear about all the devastation and loss of personal property to your family. Obviously we are thankful that nobody was hurt and that in itself is amazing!

2. Im so proud to be part of this awesome online community where people are so genuine and offer more then gestures of comfort but are willing to assist in anyway possible. Goes to show that Airstreams are only part of whats going on here...

Vinnie

68 TWind · 05-04-2011, 04:46 AM

We had tornado's here in Oxford. I had 3 good friends lose their houses. The eagerness of folks to come in and help was so uplifting in a time when so much was lost. Local churches and individuals here were wonderful. Glad you were OK. So many lost so much more. Events like this put many things into perspective. It reminded me of just how unimportant our "stuff" is when compared to life.
We were fine and had no damage.

au_ee · 05-04-2011, 05:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stowaways

Steve and Beth, lost a house once to a fire. So surreal -- I remember noticing the little things first that were gone -- my toothbrush, my makeup, even my coffee cup. It's life changing for sure. I'm glad to hear so many people are there to help you rebuild. We're complete strangers, but would be glad to help in any way that we can. If you have puppies that need dog food, cats that need treats, a new bed, etc., we'd be glad to help there too!

Our 15 year old Golden survived. We're still looking for three cats.

au_ee · 05-04-2011, 05:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tlsmit1

Wow, that is so terrible. We barely escaped the tornados in St. Louis. They hit within a mile of our house and a block of my parents'. Are you staying in the AS or in a hotel? What a nightmare. You are in our prayers. Kindest wishes, T

We're with relatives this week. As soon as the ins co gives ok we plan to relocate to temporary housing.

NeptunesNook · 05-04-2011, 08:15 AM

First time on the site probably will need a little help. I have lost my rig in the tornado that hit Pleasant Grove. My Grandfather purchased the Airsteam new in 1970. I restored it in 1995, spend about 8k on the restoration. New flooring, frig, hotwater tank, new seals, curtians, couch, all piping, and faucets. The NADA has the camper listed at $1250.00. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to handle with Insurance company.

Gene · 05-04-2011, 08:33 AM

aa', glad to hear you are ok, the dog is ok, the cats hopefully have 9 lives, and the Airstream is ok.

We don't get tornados, earthquakes and hurricanes here, blizzards seem normal, but forest fires scare me. So, we have contemplated that type of disaster, but never having had to deal with that or other such destruction, I can't really understand what's it's like. But when my farther died, I was worried that I wouldn't know what to do (my mother was helpless), but I did and found the strength to deal with everything. That taught me on a personal level most of us have that strength to get through rough times and I believe you will too.

Neptunes', NADA is well known to price trailers low. Check classifieds on the Forum, do a search on the internet for Airstreams, and print everything that you can to show the insurance adjuster.

Gene

pmclemore · 05-04-2011, 08:57 AM

Steve and Beth - so sorry to hear of your devastating news and you'll be in our thoughts.

Neptunes - welcome to the forums even under such trying conditions. As for your rig's loss, try to find any pictures and documentation about your rig and then search here for comparables. If you have replacement coverage (or even if you don't), begin your search for a rig similar to yours and document the prices being asked and paid.

Good luck to you all.

Pat

Mikethefixit · 05-04-2011, 10:34 AM

Steve and Beth and NUPTUNES NOOK
Sorry for your loss. We are glad you were not hurt. Steve and Beth at least you have a home although not the same it is familuar. Best of luck to you and your Golden.
NUPTUNES NOOK
I know this is a destivating loss to you because of the pure fact it was your Grandfathers and all your hard work is gone. THINGS can be replaced,people never can. BEST OF LUCK to you.

DougZ · 05-04-2011, 01:54 PM

My son went to the area with Home Depot to help out with supplies. He said that seeing it in person is 100 times worse than seeing it on TV. He came home emotionally drained as well as physically tired.