The last couple of weeks we have been having a blast touring schools and teaching kids about severe weather safety.  In the last three weeks we have presented dozens of programs to age groups ranging from Kindergarten through 12th grade, and the best part of every presentation is when we talk about Dabree.

You see, the talk goes something like this:

"What a tornado goes over a tornado picks up. What a tornado picks up a tornado throws. What a tornado throws is called..."

And all the kids yell "DABREE!"

Debris is a dangerous part of any wind event or tornado, and since we have all this great weather this week, maybe we should all take advantage of it and go walk around the yard.  This year, before the storms begin to sweep through our great state, look around and think to yourself "What would be airborne?"

For us last year, our trampoline took a short flight.  We were lucky nobody was struck. Do you have loose tree branches? Lawn furniture that could be secured? A trampoline? Trash cans?

To prevent injuries, make debris planning a part of your spring cleaning.  At our place, we have a rope we run through our lawn furniture when we know the forecast is for high winds or the chance of tornadoes.  We have also chosen to stake our new trampoline down. A short rope and an eye hook near the garage can make sure that your trash cans do not become projectiles!  take some time to explain to the kids how important it is to make sure toys (especially larger ones like bikes) are put away when bad weather is threatening.

It's simple, but important. You could be saving property or even a life by simply looking around your yard today as you enjoy the sunshine...and we all know the storms are just around the corner...