It seems contradictory to be thinking about tornadoes at the same time that snow is in the forecast, but that is Minnesota weather. Despite the cold, there have been abundant signs that it is none too soon to be thinking about summer storm safety.

The lessons have been abundant — from devastation in Iowa and Wisconsin this spring to the destructive storms that ripped through our own region and much of Minnesota last June. Tornado safety is being aware of the possible danger, alert to weather warnings and the basic signs of the sky; waiting until the sirens sound is too late. Knowing where the appropriate place is to seek shelter — whether at home, at work or in the car — is also easy to do. Nor is it difficult to make sure one’s home and care are equipped with basic short-term survival supplies such as a first-aid kit and bottled water.

There are plenty of detailed resources online that can provide any family or workplace with information to prepare for storm season. The Minnesota Safety Council — minnesotasafetycouncil.org — is just one of many websites with good information.

As last summer’s weather demonstrated, and as this spring’s has already reminded us, taking severe weather seriously just makes good sense.