23 Sep 2005 Hi, everyone. I'm happy not to be a weather forecaster. Growing up in "snow country" where 1 inch of rain equals 10 inches of snow, I know that a small mistake can have HUGE repercussions. That said, the latest weather forecasts appear that Dallas will be spared the brunt of Tropical Storm Rita (which is what it'll be renamed after making landfall early Saturday morning). Being 300 miles from Galveston has its advantages, in this instance. The Richardson Police continue to forward useful messages about STAYING CALM and PLANNING. Although it's a bit long, I decided to forward this (and I'll post it to our website). Note the officer's mention of the www.ready.gov website, which does contain useful information for most any disaster (including hailstorms and tornados). One GREAT tip is to have a distant family contact which everyone can call, if the family becomes separated due to evacuation (the website provides a handy wallet card to carry). Gene Saunders, President Northwood Hills HOA www.northwoodhills.org -- Richardson Police email (David Spigelmyer, Crime Prevention Officer) follows: I know everyone has been watching the weather on TV or listening to the radio regarding the upcoming storm. There is no need to panic or worry if you have prepared and taken a few extra steps to have things in place in case the weather gets bad. Please don't forget to secure or put away outside furniture or small items that could easy be blown away. We may miss all of the bad weather but I would rather have all of my ducks in a row then to wait till the last minute and then try to rush to take care of my business. If you have a neighbor who lives alone or is a senior citizen, please check on them to make sure they have everything they need. One of my wife's co-workers is a single mom with a couple of daughters and two dachshunds. I told them to come on up to our house if they want so they will not be alone and we can have a weiner dog slumber party! Sounds goofy but if the weather is bad, the girls and the mom may feel better being with some friends. Sharing a moment of compassion for a neighbor or a friend can really mean the world of difference to a person. Please remember your neighbors and don't forget to put out your hand of friendship. When you put your hand out you are not giving away anything, you are merely offering a lift up to a person who could use some friendly assistance. This is our city and it is our responsibility to work together. We have received several calls and e-mails regarding the incoming storm this weekend. The main thing to remember is to have certain supplies and PLANS in place at your house, and watch or listen to the weather reports. I have a large 25 gallon plastic box that contains a First Aid Kit that has everything from basic medical supplies to ponchos, flashlights, batteries, a battery powered radio, and other items. I bought this kit at a store for $30. We also have a hand operated can opener, food, water, sleeping bags, soap, lighters, and other things we need already packed in our safe room of our house. There is no need to panic but if you have a plan and supplies in place then when an event or major storm does hit us, you and your family are ready. Just think about what you have around your house that you can already use. A charcoal grill or gas grill may be used if you have the supplies for that. Water from a swimming pool may be used to operate the toilets and bath with. Does your family know your emergency plan? It is your responsibility to have these items ready to go in case an event does take place. Please take a few minutes and make a list of items you will need if we were to loose power and water. You may go to the Department of Homeland Security at www.READY.GOV ; they have information on their web site that can assist you in preparing your family for an emergency. Please think ahead and prepare. It is always better to have and not need, than to need and not have! STAY CALM and simply put a few things together just in case. Once your own emergency box of goodies is assembled, you are set for sometime. Take charge of your family's safety by taking a few minutes and putting a plan in place. When you have completed that, check with your neighbor to see if they need any help. Crime Watch is about neighbor helping neighbor!