Better safe than sorry in stormy weather

It's smart to prepare yourself before severe weather forecasts are broadcast. Listen to the radio or TV. Make sure you have batteries for flashlights and charge your cell phones. OK, now you're all set. What about your children? Since we don't have storm sirens, your children should carry their cell phones with them when they're at the skate park or playground.

Kids are too busy having fun to check the weather. It's up to parents to call them when there is a severe weather warning. Teach your child to pay attention to the weather instead of burying their heads in their iPads.

A few weeks ago, lightning was flashing in the distance over the lake. That should have been a clue that something was up. I watched some teenagers jumping their skateboards and riding their bikes. The wind was picking up and the thunder was getting louder and louder. Still, the teenagers showed no sign of wanting to go home. I wondered which of the teens was going to go home first. Of course, it's not macho to run home at the first sign of rain. Your friends could call you a nerd. Really, it's just being smart to head for home and safety than to be the first one to go to the E.R.