Best to error on caution

We all make tough decisions based on the best knowledge we can get into our brains. This past week a lot of school superintendents across the state of Alabama had to make a decision on whether or not to keep the school doors open in the wake of a possible winter storm that would drop snow and freezing rain across many portions of the state.

Some closed, some did not. Turns out most of those that did close didn't have to. The weathermen and meteorologists got it wrong. But we're not going to blame them either. They based their predictions on the best information they could receive about what was going on with Mother Nature.

We read a lot of criticism weathermen and superintendents were receiving when Tuesday came and went without many problems. We scratched our heads at the criticism because it sounded like they would have rather seen 10 inches of snow and below freezing temperatures.

Most of the state dodged a bullet and we should be thankful and not be so quick to criticize those who have a tremendous responsibility to make sure our children are safe.

We've talked to a lot of superintendents over the years and none want to close schools, but all want to err on the side of caution. Closing schools can put hardships on working families; keeping schools open and sending people out on snowy roads puts children's lives in danger.

We'd much rather a weatherman tell us to duck when we don't have to duck than him tell us everything's going to be OK and we get slammed.

Put yourself in other people's shoes before you start criticizing the decisions they make.