As central Mississippi residents begin the cleanup after powerful storms tore through several communities, we do have some things to be thankful for.

Adams County and surrounding areas were largely spared from any damage. But perhaps most important, there were no deaths from the storms in Rankin County, although there were serious injuries.

Even at a school in Mize, where 650 children were threatened by a tornado that ripped away the second floor of their school, there were no injuries.

Perhaps what this tells us is that our warning systems are getting better, and our severe weather drills &045;&045; particularly when they involve school children &045;&045; are effective at helping to save lives. Along with that, more sophisticated weather forecasting technology, used effectively by local TV stations, is helping to pinpoint the location and severity of storms &045;&045; and the word is getting out quickly to residents.

We hope disaster aid for those who lost property comes quickly, too, and that those who were injured will recover.