We don’t always think about it until we are in need but when there’s a blizzard, then emergency responders often have to go out into these storms while the rest of us are safe and warm in our homes, waiting out the storm.

The recent storm sweeping across the country appears to be missing the Minot area, but we have our share of blizzards each winter. These are times when law enforcement, firefighters, paramedics, snowplow operators, tow truck drivers and utility workers among others are called upon for help. They know being out in a blizzard comes with their jobs.

But it’s far from the safest work to have to do a job when there’s a raging blizzard going on. Whenever they go out to help others in severe weather, responders are putting their own lives at risk. Some have had close calls.

Spring might be about three weeks away, but that doesn’t mean winter weather will go away quite yet. There could be more snowstorms.

We urge everyone who might be traveling in severe weather to be cautious and slow down for emergency responders who might be helping a stranded motorist or snowplows moving snow. When around any emergency responders doing their jobs in severe weather, be careful and keep out of their way.

We want everyone to be able to go home at the end of their work day.