Be ready for action

Opinion

Discussion

May 13, 2009

Anonymous The Kokomo Tribune Wed May 13, 2009, 07:44 PM EDT

THE ISSUE: Storm safety.

OUR VIEW: For the sake of your family, be prepared for severe weather.

It rained again Wednesday. And if it’s not raining this morning, it probably will.

Farmers wonder when they’ll be able to plant corn. We wonder when we can mow our lawns.

It’s been that kind of spring.

The National Weather Service reported a chance of thunderstorms Friday and Saturday, and a slight risk of severe weather for Friday.

It’s a good time to determine whether you and your family are prepared for a strong storm.

Before severe weather breaks out, the Northern Indiana Public Service Co. suggests Hoosiers do the following:

• Put together a “storm preparedness kit” – medications you require, non-perishable food items, water, a flashlight, a portable radio, a manual can opener. Place this kit where your family can easily retrieve it, and make sure everyone knows where it is.

• Have an evacuation plan. Compile the phone numbers of family or friends you can stay with in case of an emergency. Make sure you have a map – you might need to take an alternate route if major roads are closed.

• Ensure your shrubs and trees don’t need trimming. Also, remove items near your home that could become airborne – toys, trash cans, patio umbrellas.

• Fill your gas tank. Pumps don’t work if electricity is out, and neither do ATM machines. Have cash on hand.

During a storm, NIPSCO says:

• Monitor radio or television for storm information.

• Pick a place where your family can gather if a tornado is headed your way – a center hallway, bathroom – and stay away from windows.

And if a storm knocks out power:

• Avoid opening the refrigerator or freezer. Food will stay frozen in a fully loaded freezer for 36 to 48 hours if the doors remain closed.

• Keep candles away from furniture and draperies.

• Disconnect or turn off appliances. But leave a light on so you’ll know when power is restored.

We hope such storm tips aren’t needed this spring. But for the safety of your family, be prepared to take action.

Text Only | Photo Reprints

Opinion

Forever thankful
Monday is Memorial Day, a national holiday to remember those who have died while serving our country.

Memorial Day officially

May 26, 2012
Cheers and Jeers - Saturday, May 26, 2012
Thanks for your kindness

Terry Siegrist, a paralegal in Salina, Kan., sends this Cheer:

“The family of the late Esther Sprinkle wishes to send our heartfelt thanks to all who gave so generously of their kindness and sympathy in the death of our beloved mother and grandmother. We especially want to thank those who visited us at the funeral home and sent flowers, cards, memorials or food.

May 25, 2012
USPS scales back plans
The issue: Postal Service plans to keep smaller post offices open.

Our view: Agency deserves credit for listening to the concerns of customers.

May 25, 2012
Sign change is overdue
A colleague of ours years ago said Indiana lawmakers should change the state motto to “We’ll Get Around to It.” His observation is both funny and sad.

May 23, 2012 1 Story
Tips on flag etiquette
Monday is Memorial Day – set aside to honor those Americans who gave their lives in this nation’s wars. Lots of folks fly the flag every day as a show of patriotism, but what many might not know is that there are specific rules outlined in the U.S. Flag Code concerning its display.

May 21, 2012
Cheers & Jeers - Saturday, May 19, 2012
Carriers collect 19 tons of food

Brian S. Kidwell of Branch 533 of the letter carriers union sends this Cheer:

May 19, 2012
Walk a lap, fight cancer
Before you read any farther, stop for a second and think about what this one word means to you: cancer.

May 18, 2012
Program eyes troubled kids
If you know a teenager who has gotten off track, Elissa Andersen might be just the person to call.

May 16, 2012
Editorial - May 15, 2012: Hard work still pays
The issue: The Class of 2012.

Our view: Congratulations on your achievement, graduating high school seniors, and remember to thank those who helped you along the way to success.

May 15, 2012
de la Bastide: Indiana, the nation lose true statesman
During his 36 years in the U.S. Senate, Richard Lugar was noted for his ability to compro-mise when it came to legislation impacting the nation, and as a statesman when it came to foreign policy issues.

May 15, 2012
More Opinion Headlines

Opinion

Search Results

Discussion

Be ready for action

Site Map

Contact Us