Like most of us, we were watching and listening Sunday afternoon as storms roared through our area. If you were attempting to watch TV you got interrupted.
This area dodged a bullet; but we can't say the same for the people in Lee County who got slammed with a tornado that claimed as many as 23 lives.
The storm left total devastation in its path taking no prisoners. It left those who survived scrambling to not only put their lives back together but to simply survive.
We reached out to see what people could do to help the people in Lee County because we felt we all wanted to do something. We've been there; not that bad with the deaths, but there with the devastation.
Not that the people in Lee County aren't appreciative, but sometimes help hinders help.
Escambia County Sheriff Heath Jackson reached out and was told to stand-by; EMA Director David Adams was told to do the same. Adams was also told to tell people not to send supplies to Lee County because they were being overwhelmed. That's a good problem to have.
In the days and weeks to come, the needs of the residents in Lee County will become visible. That may be the time the sheriff in that county asks Jackson to please send some help; that may be the time Adams is asked to bring equipment; and that may be the time they ask for certain items.
We know people want to help, but follow Adam's advice and be careful where you send cash and goods. A lot of good comes out of disasters and a lot of bad follows them. If you haven't already, you will start getting telephone calls asking for donations. Tell them no.
We all want to help, but we also want our help to get into the hands of people who need help and not people who want to take advantage of a disaster.
More information will be forthcoming on how people can help in Lee County. We and other news outlets will pass that information along.
