This column represents the thoughts and opinions of Jason Hennington. This is NOT the opinion of the Taylor Press.
The cold weather is here.
We have already experienced some ice and a little bit of snow. But, are we ready if we have another snowstorm like last year?
Tiana: It is snowy outside.
Me: What do we need to do to get ready in case we get some more snow?
Tiana: We need to put on warm clothes like hats, long sleeved shirts and pants, boots and gloves.
Me (chuckling): Anything else?
Tiana: A scarf to keep your neck warm and a big jacket. That’s all the supplies.
This was conversation with my 6-year-old. She has an idea of what we need to do in case we get another snowstorm.
There are people who went out and bought food, supplies, toilet paper and whatever they could get their hands on when the temperature dropped last week. I get it. But, does that make us prepared?
This summer, we bought a generator, a propane heater, several flashlights and lighters — mainly because we don’t know how bad it may or may not get in the future. So, are we ready in my house? Yes. We have the essentials, and we have a plan in case we lose power and water. The girls know the formation for a sleep pile to keep everyone warm, and we have plenty of canned food items. We bought toilet paper but didn’t go crazy. We buy what we need, when we need it.
I’d say we’re ready, at least supplies wise. Mentally and psychologically, not so much.
When I ask if we’re prepared, “we’re” refers to us as a community. Will people panic and empty store shelves? I’m sure there are people who are standing by with plans to help others IF we experience a freeze like last year.
Something we don’t need is for people to take this lightly. Even if there is not a huge threat – yet – for another storm, people do need to get prepared. I have seen some people make jokes about a possible snowstorm. The effects of the storm were serious, especially in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, so I don’t find those jokes funny.
The city has taken some precautions and approved items in the budget to help with another winter storm. The school district has done well with navigating through the recent increase in COVID-19 cases, so that makes me believe if another snowfall happens, the district will be prepared.
I encourage everyone to prepare – not go crazy and overstock on items – in case we get covered in snow again. If nothing else, I hope we learned from last year that anything can happen at any time. The question is, are we prepared?
I’m going to get off my soapbox now and go play outside in the snow with the kids. “Preparation is everything.”
“Preparation is everything.”
— David Robinson, NBA Hall of Famer
