Remembering and Recovering in Joplin, MO

Today marks one year since a tornado swept through Joplin, Missouri destroying some 7,500 buildings and claiming the lives of 161 people. In the year since the tornado, residents and volunteers have worked to support individuals and families recover from this devastating event and to rebuild a more resilient community. In fact, this past weekend President Obama delivered Joplin High School’s commencement address in a rebuilt school. And last week, members of Joplin city government and emergency management joined FEMA Deputy Administrator Rich Serino at the Missouri Southern State University for his monthly FEMA Think Tank series call to discuss the ongoing recovery efforts and how to help communities prepare for disasters. As the nation celebrates the resiliency of this community and remembers all those affected, we hope the many news stories will serve as a reminder of the importance of getting your family, home, or business prepared before a disaster strikes. While we cannot control where or when tornadoes will occur, we can all take steps now to lessen their impact on our lives. For more on getting prepared before tornadoes or severe weather events, visit www.Ready.gov/tornadoes.