Don't forget serious threat of weather

Now, more than ever, we are aware of weather's deadly power. Whether it be the tsunami, the mudslides in California or ice and snow in the Midlands, we have seen how lives can be ruined and man-made structures turned to rubble by quick-hitting natural disasters.

As overwhelming as it is to think about the tragedies, they can be valuable reminders of the importance of emergency preparedness.

That's especially true, now, in the middle of winter, when winter storms can strike with little warning. Before we suffer another tragedy, such as the Creighton students lost in the storm, we need to start taking storms seriously ... to realize that, within a matter of minutes, our lives and those of our loved ones can be in jeopardy.

If it is absolutely necessary to travel during storms, we need to have emergency kits in our vehicles. We also need blankets to cover up as it can be fatal to try to walk for help during a blinding snowstorm.

At home, carbon monoxide and smoke alarms are needed, as shown by the brush with death of a Culbertson mother and her four children.

We also need to make it a point to have fireplaces and wood stoves inspected annually, and to keep portable heaters away from walls, drapes and furniture.

These are examples. But they show the necessity of thinking ahead ... of being prepared ... when a storm does hit.

And, we must remember, it's important to talk about storm preparedness in advance with our families. Older adults have the benefit of experience. If they have lived in Southwest Nebraska and Northwest Kansas for any length of time, they know that winter blizzards happen almost every year.

But, for children, it can be a new experience. Let's each do our part to make emergency preparedness an accepted fact of life.

Whether far away or close to home, weather disasters can strike with little warning. By planning ahead, we can avoid needless hurt and heartbreak for ourselves and our loved ones.