We add our applause and our appreciation to the comment in today’s Rants and Raves, relative to the emergency crews responding to the damage dealt by Hurricane Irma Sunday night and Monday morning.

Fortunately for our community, the storm was not as devastating as we might have imagined or predicted, but if we are to err on such predictions, then it’s best to err on the side of precaution.

As the winds permitted, our utility and emergency personnel were quick to clear downed power lines and failed trees. Not only do we offer thanks to those men and women who rush into the storms to keep us safe and to restore our electrical power, we would be remiss not to applaud their families who naturally worry about their loved ones who secure high voltage lines and dodge flying debris. We can only imagine the anxiety generated when these professionals go into the night to defend us against Mother Nature’s wrath.

Also, thanks to those individuals and agencies that provided emergency shelter, giving substance to the notion that “we are our brother’s keeper” when such harm comes our way. And kudos to our community agency leaders who came together to coordinate our preparedness.

And while we consider ourselves faring well in all of this, as another contributor in the Rants and Raves pointed out, let us still be mindful and helpful where possible to those south of us who were harder hit, as well as those in the Houston, Texas, area who are still literally wading out of Hurricane Harvey.

Several observers/experts on these types of storms have noted that since Hurricane Andrew hit Florida many years ago, we have become much more educated and technically enhanced to prepare for such devastation. So hats off to those who have made careers in predicting, tracking and warning about hurricanes.

We are once again reminded that the forces of nature are immense and as yet another contributor to Rants and Raves pointed out a few days ago, can often make other issues moot points.