Winter weather

It did not feel much like winter on Sunday when severe storms ripped through parts of the Midwest. However, weather can be finicky. One day its 70 degrees, the next we're looking at cold temperatures and a chance of snow.

This is Winter Weather Awareness Day. The Missouri Department of Public Safety issued a news release last week encouraging Missourians to prepare for winter storms and the potential threats they can present.

It is recommended that individuals create a family energy plan and kit. The kit should include bottled water, canned and dry food, battery-powered radio, flashlights, batteries, a manual can opener and first-aid kit.

Other steps they recommend:

* Check that heat sources function properly. Have fuel on hand for a generator, if you have one. Generators should only be used outdoors.

* A winter car kit should include a blanket, radio with batteries, snacks, jumper cables, flares, shovel and sand or shingles for tire traction.

* Be careful if you shovel snow or push a car out of a snow bank. Avoid dangerous driving conditions.

* Keep cellphones charged before heading out in bad weather. Have emergency numbers available, including *55 for the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

* Stay updated on weather forecasts and warnings such as winter storm watches, winter storm warnings and ice storm warnings.

The bottom line: Use common sense when dealing with winter weather. While snow can make for fun, it's important to take these conditions seriously.

To receive weather alerts and school closings on your mobile phone, visit semissourian.com.

The weekend storms were a bitter reminder that we should be alert to other severe weather as well. We offer our prayers for those who lost loved ones and are cleaning up the damage left behind.