Preparation is key to safety

By Staff
Our opinion
In 2003, Alabama experienced 317 tornado warnings and more than 959 severe thunderstorm warnings.
And experts are predicting this year's severe weather season, traditionally the period from March to May, could be the most active ever.
Feb. 23-27 is Severe Weather Awareness Week in Alabama. The week is set aside to raise awareness of Alabama's volatile weather patterns and the need for proper preparation to deal with bad weather.
Weather officials advise people to stay alert to watches and warnings during any bad weather. Other tips include having shelter areas selected before the bad weather hits; keep emergency supplies on hand; and not driving during storms. With preparation, we can safely navigate storm season.