To the editor:

We were watching TV on Saturday when we heard the tornado sirens. We did not have a weather radio at that time (we do now!) and this was a complete surprise to us. Now, I have a question for Heather Moore regarding the sirens on April 25. Would you prefer they go off 20 minutes before a tornado or 1 minute after? What do you and the others you quote consider an “appropriate” amount of warning? I personally was not upset at all with the early warning, and I imagine the people in Linwood and Tonganoxie were happy to escape with only property damage.

It appears from the description of her actions that Heather only had to run to the neighbor’s shelter. She apparently did not have to round up kids from the neighborhood or even go get them from different sections of the house (with plugged in headphones you might need to GO to them), possibly collect medications, shoes, flashlights or check on an elderly neighbor/relative. She should be thankful she didn’t need to take extra time to carry one or more children or get help moving a loved one in a wheelchair or on crutches to a safe place.

My appreciation goes out to the storm watchers and other weather people who gave warning, and I appreciate it coming in time to take action and avoid a tragedy. I also am grateful to the TV/radio broadcasters that cover the weather.