Storm safety

Most people living in Southeast Missouri have experienced at least one severe storm. Dealing with whatever Mother Nature dishes out is just part of life in these parts. Last week's flash flooding and sudden spring storms serve as reminders of the need for safety and precaution during bad weather.

Basic precautions and safety procedures should be taught to our children. Every family should develop an emergency plan for how to deal with weather alerts. Make sure everyone knows what to do in case of a tornado warning.

Some parents, though not many, complained last week because schools followed safety guidelines when storm warnings came as classes were about to be dismissed for the day. Officials didn't want to send students outdoors during weather that could produce a tornado. School officials made a prudent decision. They weighed the safety of their students against keeping to a routine schedule. It was a wise choice.