Over two consecutive weekends our Mahoning Valley endured horrible storms with extremely high winds that uprooted trees, downed power lines and severely damaged homes and buildings.

Tragically, a local boy was the victim of a fatal accident when a tree crashed into his Trumbull County home Saturday afternoon, leaving him trapped. Despite first responders’ frantic efforts, attempts to save 13-year-old Brenton Hemberger of Leavittsburg were futile. Brenton had been doing what any teenager would do during a Saturday afternoon storm — sitting on the couch playing video games in his family’s home when the tree came crashing in on him unexpectedly. Extrication was prolonged due to the stability of the structure.

The horrible situation must serve as a strong reminder to all of us about the force of mother nature and the need for us all to be prepared when strong storms are in the forecast.

So often we read national stories about horrible storms that lead to tragic deaths. Fortunately, here in Ohio, we experience no hurricanes and rare earthquakes. We often shrug off forecasts thinking they are wrong or can’t possibly be that bad.

This sad accident reminds us that is not always the case.

The National Weather Service offers this guidance for when heavy winds are in the forecast.

Trim tree branches away from your house and power lines.

Secure loose gutters and shutters.

Identify an interior room of your house, such as a basement or interior bathroom, that you can take shelter in during high wind warnings.

If you live in a mobile home, identify a sturdy building you can go to when the National Weather Service issues a high wind or severe thunderstorm warning.

Charge batteries of all essential items such as cell phones and booster packs, weather radios and power tools such as a reciprocating saw, which you might need to clear debris.

Update your emergency kit and be sure to include enough food and water to last for three days for each person in your home.

Make a list of items outside your home you will need to tie down or put away so that they don’t blow away or fly through a window, and do that immediately when the weather service issues high wind or severe thunderstorm watches.

Most of all, take weather warnings seriously.

In the meantime, our sincere condolences go out to Brenton’s family and loved ones. We applaud the first responders and the community, including Project Be Somebody and Burg, Bait and Tackle, for quickly coming together to organize efforts to raise funds to assist the family in this loss, and in replacing their home and repairing their lives.

A fundraising event is being planned for April 16 at the Johnson Community Center.

editorial@vindy.com