(EDITOR’S NOTE: This is one in a series of reminders about emergency preparedness.)

It’s spring, it’s summer, wait a minute, it’s winter again ...
What is clear is that we have entered that time of the year when weather can hit almost any extreme imaginable.
In the past couple of weeks, this area has gone from near record cold and blizzards, to record highs, that really did feel more like early summer than spring.
and it is all of that rapid change that causes Emergency Risk Manager Amy Miller to advice residents to keep track of the weather and to be ready to respond to just about any emergency.
What ever weather hits, the needs are somewhat the same, Miller urged. “Preparing for winter weather is not that much different than being prepared the rest of the year,” Miller noted. “Step one is to ‘Get A Kit,’ step two is to ‘Make A Plan’ and step three is to ‘Be Informed.’”
Of course, being informed is especially important when there is a chance that driving is going to involve snow and ice-packed roads, Miller noted.
“During the winter months, individuals are even more concerned about travel conditions.”
But, she added, it’s not a bad idea to check ahead about travel conditions, during the spring storm season as well. 
“Anyone can keep up with road conditions by checking the web site http://511.ksdot.org or by dialing 511 on any phone from anywhere in Kansas.
“Local law enforcement officials will often notify their media partners and provide them with road conditions and travel updates.”
Miller is also available to help with emergency plans she added.
“For more information about being prepared, whatever the time of year, you can visit www.ready.gov, www.ksready.gov or by contacting the Barton County Emergency Management Office at 620-793-1919.”