Anyone who has been in South Alabama for the past two decades remembers that 18 years ago, we went without electricity for days as our community struggled to overcome the wrath of Hurricane Opal.

This weekend, it looks as if we will escape all but the rain from a Tropical Storm named Karen. Still, she brings the potential for tornadoes and high winds, and some power outages.

It is important for each of us to do our part to prepare for what we might face. In even the worst-case scenarios, individuals should be prepared to provide for their own needs for three days.

That means keeping food and water on hand, as well as getting prescriptions refilled before the storm. It means battening down outdoor objects – like hobos – that could go sailing in the wind.

And it means staying at home and being patient when the storm passes. The urge to get out of the house and survey damage is a strong one. But traffic impedes the work of government and utility crews whose job it is to keep power supplied, utilities functioning, and roads cleared.

Be responsible as we face this storm this weekend.