This time, we were spared.

This time, we were spared.

But this spring's burst of tornadoes has to remind many Kentuckians of the tragic spring of '74 when it was our turn... as part of what still is, I think, the worst one or two day concentration of tornadoes ever..throughout the Midwest, with the greatest loss of life and heaviest property damage.

I reflect on that because, unlike some other states, Kentucky does not require mobile homes to be strapped down. All homes can suffer when high winds come through; mobile homes suffer the worst. Why not strap them down, using heavy metal straps into the ground? It can not hurt and it may do some good. Yet year after year, even when introduced, such bills go nowhere in the legislature. I have to believe it's because they are opposed by the "manufactured housing" industry, which apparently feels the extra expense would hurt sales..and of course, the "down economy" is just the latest excuse.

Bottom line: it's still profit over safety.

The other thing which bothers me is watching all that corrugated metal, roof sections, siding et al, flying thru the air. If someone hasn't been beheaded, it is just a matter of time.

We need stronger rules to "nail" down roofs and other such metal sections from injuring people. Yes, if the wind gets strong enough, nothing will hold them down. But again, it can't hurt and in many storms it would help.

California requires new buildings to meet earthquake standards. Old buildings are given a period, ten years I think, to retrofit and upgrade. If its laws can require this, so can Kentucky's.

After all, we were lucky...this April. But it is only a matter of time until those deadly winds visit us again.

I'm just sayin'...