In the aftermath of the tornadoes in Nebraska, Iowa and Ohio (purrs to all),
I am reminded of one early morning a couple of years ago.

I live on the outskirts of Memphis, TN.  I had *no* idea the new tornado
sirens talked.  I woke up one morning around 3:00 AM to a raging wind and
major storm.  Persia was hiding under the bed, as usual during a storm.  I
walked over towards my dresser when suddenly this voice boomed out
"ATTENTION!"  I nearly jumped out of my skin - WTF?! :)  "ATTENTION! Shelby
County is under a tornado warning!  Take cover immediately!"  Then the siren
went off.  Dang thing is right on the corner by my apartment.

I grabbed a pillow, a blanket and a flashlight and went into the bathroom,
which is sort of in the middle of my apartment.  No windows, and the pipes
in the walls make it the safest place.

I went hell, how am I going to get Persia out from under the bed?  Smart
kitty, she ran in and joined me.  She had *never* been known to come out
from hiding during a storm before.  She hunkered down between the tub and
the toilet.  I shut the door, got into the tub and waited.  Periodically the
VOICE would come back and repeat the warning, then the sirens wailed again.
Persia sat there the entire time, looking at me, not saying a word.

After what seemed like an eternity the siren fell silent.  I thought to
myself okay... how long do I need to stay in this bathtub?  Luckily, the
talking siren also says "All clear.  Tornado warning is cancelled."

We got out of the bathroom and went to bed :)

Jill