Read the passage and answer the questions.
(1)The wind was blowing with gale force of over 55 miles an hour. (2) The windows of the house began to shake as we silently waited for the worst of all possible storms. (3) Kitchen plates crashed to the floor, and we trembled with fear.
(4)My trusty dog was by my side and my little brother huddled under the table. (5) Our parents had gone to a neighbor’s house for a community meeting. (6) This storm was not predicted by the weatherman earlier on TV. (7) We knew nothing of the impending danger.
(8)Within moments, the tornado warning sounded from the fire station downtown. (9) I grabbed my brother, Danny and headed straight for the hallway. (10) On the way I remembered to pull the mattress off of his bed. (11) We fell to the floor, pulled the mattress on top of us, and the faint sound of a train whistle began. (12) Suddenly it was as loud as if we were crossing the tracks. (13) Yes, my greatest fear was realized. (14) We were on the path of a pop-up tornado!
(15)Then as quickly as it began, silence. (16) No more wind, I thought to myself. (17) Boy was I wrong! (18) Extremely loud crashing and banging of pane glass windows surrounded us.(19)The tornado was on top of us!
(20)Moments later, a gentle breeze came down the hall. (21) The calm after the storm, yes, that phrase fit. (22) I quickly checked Danny who was underneath me. (23) He was as white as a sheet, but grunted that he was ok. (24)Sapphire was fine, as well. (25) Not so for our living room, kitchen and bedrooms. (26) The wind force had blown out all windows and lifted our roof to the street!
(27)We just sat there in the hallway after checking the house and began to cry.
(28)Within moments the fire trucks were coming down our street. (29) Their megaphone was on and announcing an all clear. (30)They wanted everyone who could to come outside.
(31)My brother and me went out slowly and carefully as to avoid the glass fragments. (32) Our dog followed yelping all the way. (33) Our parents were running down the street fearing for what had happened. (34) Ours was the only house touched by the tornado! (35) Debris was everywhere. (36) Praises to the man up above, we were safe.
(37)Family and life is more important that personal belongings. (38) That I can say.
