Weather can strike anyone at any time. If you were around last year you know how bad it can be. Being unprepared for weather situations is very dangerous for everyone including students and instructors.

Weather situations are a flag for concern in this area because of a lack of snow plows and equipment needed to keep roads clear and safe. Many times students are stuck at home because they are inexperienced driving in severe weather or afraid of other drivers. If they do go somewhere, often times they are ill prepared.

Experts recommend each person carry jumper cables, road flares, oil, antifreeze, a first aid kit, a blanket, screwdrivers, a flashlight, and a can of fix-a-flat. "All I have in my car is a first aid kit," said EvCC student Brian King.

This area usually sees mild weather, which isn't a big cause for concern; so many students go without proper safety equipment in their cars. According to the National Safety Council, 60 percent of people have safety equipment in their car at all times. A blanket, flashlight and an ice scraper are the three most common cold weather items kept in a person's car.

When the weather takes its toll, students and instructors are academically affected. Often times when weather strikes instructors have to skip what they were going to teach or water down the lesson plan to catch back up.

When asked about plans for getting caught back up in the event of a cancellation of class due to weather, Ellen Felsenthal, photography instructor, said, "I just compress lessons and take away free lab time until we catch back up. If class is cancelled for the day I don't generally post an assignment on ANGEL."

Students have the ability to enjoy an extra day off when the weather strikes, but making up what was missed is tough.

"I don't mind when an instructor posts an assignment online during a snow day, but if I can't make it to school and we are doing a lab it's tough to get caught back up," said King.

The Washington State Department of Transportation recommends all drivers slow down during snowy and icy weather and give themselves extra time to reach their destination.

Next time the weather strikes will you be prepared?