By K. W. Bennett
Fall has officially arrived in Mississippi.
But if you have lived here long enough, you already know that the calendar does not always tell the whole story.
One day can feel like summer, while the next morning has you reaching for a light jacket. That is Mississippi fall.
As the season changes, it is a good time for families to do a little preparation, but it is also a good time to slow down and enjoy each other.
Prepare for the changes
Temperatures can change quickly this time of year, so keeping a light jacket nearby and checking the forecast before heading out can save you from being caught off guard.
It is also a good time to check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, replace batteries, make sure flashlights work and pull together basic emergency supplies.
And remember, severe weather does not disappear simply because summer is ending. Families should have a plan for where they will go and how they will receive weather alerts.
If your household includes children, older adults, pets or someone with special medical needs, make sure your emergency plan considers them, too.
A little preparation now can make a stressful situation easier later.
Then, make some memories
Fall is more than weather.
It is Friday night football games. Homecoming. Band competitions. Fall festivals. Community gatherings. Trips to the library. Walks outside when the temperature finally feels just right.
It is watching children get excited about something as simple as being outside. It is sitting on the porch a little longer. It is calling somebody you have not talked to in a while.
Our calendars can get so full that sometimes we forget to actually enjoy the season we are living in.
So this fall, make room for the important things.
Go to the game. Attend the community event. Take the kids outside. Check on your neighbor. Find a few quiet minutes for yourself.
And while you are doing all of that, remember that Mississippi weather can change quickly. Keep an eye on the forecast, stay prepared and give yourself permission to slow down.
Because seasons change. Children grow. Life keeps moving, and sometimes the moments we remember most are the simple ones we almost overlooked.
Welcome, fall. We are glad you are here.
