Joplin tornado cleanup

Work crew

Matt, an Americorps leader

The young Americorps leaders told us to move debris from front yards and heap it into separate piles at the curb: lumber, timber and metal. To assure the integrity of insurance assessments, they told us not to disturb any debris that was touching a dwelling or a slab. A FEMA-certified volunteer told me that one reason for the yard-clearing work was to keep debris from being thrown into the air again “if we had another blow.” Another reason offered by an Americorps person was to clear the way for bulldozers that would be coming in next. So, the operation was proceeding in little increments over many stages.

                     

Moving from one house to the next, I often felt overwhelmed by the massive clutter of splinters, limbs, crumpled metal and soggy, pulpy shingles and plywood. But, after just 15-30 minutes or so of work by a half-dozen people, the lawn became reasonably clear.

In another chore, we cleared an alleyway in similar fashion. Shortly thereafter, a pickup drove down the alley — the passage made possible by us and whoever came before us to move whatever else was there. The fruits of our labor were always immediately apparent.

Anyone who has a day to donate may show up at Missouri Southern State University around 8-9 a.m., fill out paperwork, and be assigned to work. Heavy work gloves and shoes are essential. Food and water are provided by countless volunteers. Chainsaws and chainsaw skills are badly needed.

A typical debris scene, with St. John's Hospital in the background.