This week’s extreme weather served as a powerful reminder of just how dangerous Mother Nature can be and just how important it is to be prepared when severe weather strikes.

Monday’s storm left more than 30,000 people without power in Michigan and Indiana and caused untold amounts of damage to personal property, including homes and automobiles, especially in portions of Niles Township.

Several neighborhoods there were almost unrecognizable with trees on homes and large limbs blocking roadways.

It is truly a miracle that no one was injured.

Many people took precautionary measures when the storm hit, such as taking shelter in a basement or interior room, to reduce the likelihood of injury.

Others simply got lucky that a tree did not fall where they were standing.

The storm season is just beginning (with another one forecast for last night) so this certainly won’t be the last dangerous weather event of the season.

We encourage everyone to be prepared for inclement weather by following these tips from the National Weather Service:

• Check for watches and warnings on the internet, radio or television

• Before going outdoors, check the forecast for thunderstorms

• If you are outside and hear thunder, head indoors

• Stay away from electrical equipment, wiring and water pipes

• The safest place to be is an underground shelter or basement

• If no basement is available, move to a small, windowless interior room or hallway on the lowest level

• Mobile homes are not safe during a tornado

• Avoid driving, walking or swimming in flood waters

• Keep emergency supplies handy, such as non-perishable food, water, flashlights and a first-aid kit

For more tips on weather safety, visit the website weather.gov.

 

Opinions expressed are those of the editorial board consisting of Publisher Michael Caldwell and editors Ambrosia Neldon, Craig Haupert, Ted Yoakum and Scott Novak.