When a tornado comes to town, it symbolizes destruction and sporadic tendencies as it demolishes one house and lets another stand.

It’s almost as if the tornado is taunting the people in its direction of fury, reminding them it is in control of their panic.

Maybe that’s why Hollywood portrays tornadoes in such a way.

Technology has come to our rescue, warning residents with sirens and accurate weather forecasts.

What if this isn’t enough? What if they are ignored?

Joplin, Mo. ignored their sirens and 125 lives were sacrificed.

There were also 900 injuries, but those people have the ability to rebuild their lives.

Tornadoes should be a reminder to everyone in the Midwest. They’re a reminder to live life to the fullest and never make excuses.

Tornadoes give second chances very sparingly.

Joplin, Mo. has been given a second chance by this tornado. It was a wake-up call to the community that the tornado was the “worst tornado in history.”

Tornadoes make us realize how lucky we are they didn’t hit our community. They didn’t hit our house or pick up our car and place it somewhere else.

They are scary storms, but given the right tools, you can be prepared for them.

For instance, don’t be near any windows when the sirens are going off. The bathroom or basement is the safest places in most homes.

If you’re driving, get out of your car and get low to the ground. Get down in a ditch and that will be safer.

Most towns that have been struck by a tornado come back stronger and tougher than they were before. Communities pull together to rebuild homes and organizations, and it can be a heartwarming way to help others.

Most tornadoes are not to the extreme of Joplin, Missouri. However, they are all serious and should not be ignored.

It’s the reason Hollywood has popularized shows such as “Storm Chasers” and “Twister.”

The media portrays these storms as not being scary, but the reality is that they can tear a community to pieces.

Tornadoes in the Midwest are nothing new, but how you react to them makes a difference. Take shelter and try to not go outside. They take no prisoners, but they do spare lives.

If anything, a tornado that causes destruction leads us missing those we love and being thankful that they’re alright.

There’s no explanation of why a tornado is sporadic in its movement, but there is also no reason why we can’t learn from it.

It’s a time to come together and help rebuild what we have lost, and celebrate what we still have.

Jennifer Brown is a senior journalism major. She can be reached at 581-7942 or DENopinions@gmail.com.