April 12, 2025 Issue, Page 8 of 16

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8• SATURDAY, APRIL 12, 2025 The Elk City News TIME TO BE WEATHER AWARE Extreme Weather Events Spark Lifelong Fear By Sheryl Ponce As a third grader, I lived in packed with those papers, could. I started out in the dark, to take a ride from strangers, of them have broken window Ft. Worth and what seemed and because I rode my bike, walking my bike and trying to but the boy was in my class at nor has the sky as dark as I re- As more extreme weath- like five miles from school. My it was too heavy to ride home hold on to those most import- school. They were in a station member it was that afternoon. er events happen across the sister and I would either walk hauling the stack of papers, ant papers. wagon and put my bike in the The years of fear lingered world, children seem to be the to school or on a rare occasion therefore, I was going to have So I began my trek back back. I made it home in time on, until I finally realized that most vulnerable to carry the ride our bikes (I still have that to walk my bike home. I des- home, trying to hurry. We to hide in the hallway of our I actually have no control over trauma throughout their lives. bike). One spring day towards perately wanted to save all of obviously did not have cell house. As the storm grew, all a storm or any other natural One personal experience left the end of school, we were that work, which seemed to be phones to let my mother of the windows in the back disaster. I learned to do what me in a panic for years when- happy to get to ride our bikes of great importance. know I was on my way. My of our house shattered. I was I need to do to take precau- ever clouds began to billow, or to school. I had my satchel As the school day proceed- sister rode ahead and made it scared, but we were all safe. tions, and the rest is out of my thunder started clapping. I did across my shoulder to carry ed, the daylight turned to home way before I was able to I don’t remember much hands. Learning to trust and not have to go into therapy to home my books or homework. dark, and storms were on their get there. Finally, as the wind about the aftermath and clean- rely on my faith has turned a overcome the fear, but I had to This particular day, the way to devastate the area. I started to whirl and it was ing up the debris left in the childhood trauma into a life learn to turn to my faith that teacher handed back stacks remember it like it was yester- harder to walk, a man and his house. I suppose my mother lesson that has served me in all finally brought peace during of papers because the end of day. Our family only had one child stopped to ask if I need- would not let us near the glass. my triumphs and trials. spring storms. the school session was ap- car, and I had no choice other ed a ride. In all of the storms I have en- proaching. My satchel was than to get home as soon as I I knew I was not supposed countered in Oklahoma, none Everything you need for your Is Your Family Prepared? next project ... Chain Saws Pole Saws Every plan starts with a kit. When it comes to disasters, an and cooking. • Drinking Water Tablets - Helps excess space. • Warm Clothes - Sweaters, emergency kit can be the difference purify water when a trusted source is heavy-duty jeans, socks, gloves, etc. Aerial Lifts that helps keep a bad situation from inaccessible. The Essentials: getting worse. At minimum, you • First Aid Kit - A SO-piece kit is • Medication - Keep a week’s sup- Pumps should pack a kit with enough ma- sufficient for a family of four. ply of necessary prescriptions along terials to last you and your family for • Canned Food/Can Opener/ with a list. at least three days. Although every Utensils - Remember to rotate food • Eyeglasses - Keep an extra pair 911 South Main St., Elk City family's needs are different, this ba- out of your emergency kit every few on hand. RENTALS & SALES, INC 580-225-1400 sic checklist can help get you started. 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